A sophisticated AI Deepfake scam has surfaced in Karnataka, where fraudsters used artificial intelligence to create a convincing video of former US President Donald Trump. This fake video promoted a non-existent investment scheme named the "Trump Hotel Rentals" programme.
Circulated through platforms like YouTube and social media, the video directed viewers to download a fraudulent mobile application. Posing as a legitimate investment opportunity, the app promised high returns and remote work benefits. Over 200 individuals across cities such as Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, and Haveri have been deceived, with reported losses amounting to more than ₹2 crore.
According to the Indian Express, Police said that scammers created an application called the "Donald Trump rental app" and persuaded users to register by paying an initial amount. Once registered, users received small daily credits- for example, ₹30 on an investment of ₹1,500, which were withdrawable upon reaching a set threshold. This gave victims a false sense of trust.
As users continued to receive consistent returns, they were enticed to invest larger sums. Eventually, the fraudsters demanded additional payments labelled as taxes to access supposed profits, only to disappear without a trace. The Haveri district alone has over 15 reported cases, and law enforcement is urging more victims to come forward and file complaints.
A 38-year-old lawyer from Karnataka was among the many deceived, investing close to ₹6 lakh over 3 months. Initially impressed by the regular payouts, he increased his investments from ₹5,000 to ₹1,00,000, only to be later asked to pay tax for withdrawing returns, none of which were refunded.
He mentioned that others from the police force, government services, and the business sector have also suffered financial losses. A case has been registered at the Haveri Cybercrime, Economics and Narcotics (CEN) police station, and investigations are currently ongoing. Authorities are actively seeking additional complainants to build a stronger case against the culprits.
Read More: Airtel Seeks Jio, VIL Collaboration on Anti-Fraud Telecom Initiative.
The AI Deepfake scam highlights the growing threat of AI-driven frauds, urging the public to verify investment schemes thoroughly and report suspicious activities promptly.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: May 27, 2025, 2:30 PM IST
Team Angel One
We're Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates
Get the link to download the App
