Fake News 2.0: AI-Generated Trump Video Sparks Digital Deception

A new and sophisticated cyber-fraud scheme has shaken Karnataka, leaving over 200 victims with losses exceeding ₹2 crore after being tricked by a deepfake video of former US President Donald Trump. This convincing video, which made its rounds on YouTube and social media, featured Trump promoting a bogus “Trump Hotel Rentals” investment opportunity, enticing viewers with promises of high daily returns and the allure of working from home.

 

The victims—ranging from professionals and government employees to businesspeople—were instructed to download a mobile app, provide personal and banking information, and pay an initial registration fee of ₹1,500. The app created the illusion of real returns, crediting small amounts daily and allowing withdrawals once a certain threshold was reached, which built trust and encouraged larger investments. Many, including a 38-year-old advocate from Haveri, ended up depositing as much as ₹6 lakh between January and April 2025, only to lose it all when the promised returns stopped and the scammers disappeared.

 

The police have filed cases under cybercrime and fraud laws, urging more victims to step forward as the investigation expands. This scam underscores the rising threat of AI-driven deepfakes in the world of cybercrime, with authorities cautioning the public to stay alert against investment schemes that feature celebrity endorsements or seem too good to be true.

 

Source: Economic Times, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Indian Express, Financial Express