Over 200 fall prey to 'Trump app' scam in Karnataka, end up losing Rs 2 crore

More than 200 people in Karnataka were tricked into investing in a fake ‘Trump Hotel rentals’ scheme, which exploited AI-generated visuals of US President Donald Trump to lure unsuspecting investors. The victims have reportedly lost over Rs 2 crore in the scam.

According to multiple police reports and victims’ accounts, the now-defunct Trump app promised massive short-term returns – in some cases over 100% – under the pretext of a high-profile hotel rental and investment platform. The app is alleged to have duped scores of people in places like Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, Haveri, Hubballi, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Shivamogga, Ballari and Bidar.

Targeted ads on social media

Speaking to news agency ANI, Haveri SP Anshu Kumar said, “A case has already been registered at the Haveri police station, where a victim has lost around Rs 6 lakh in the same app. We have information that there are a lot of victims. We request the victims to come forward and file a complaint at their nearest police stations.”

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According to the police official, the app gained traction through targeted advertisements on social media, promising users high returns in a short period. The victims span various professions, from businessmen and lawyers to students and government employees.

He said the app operated by first collecting Rs 1,500 registration fee and returning Rs 500 to build trust. “By offering small returns, they gain the user’s confidence, then promise higher returns at the next level and coax users into investing more, before disappearing,” the SP was quoted as saying by India Today.

Tracking digital footprint

As per media reports, over 15 cases have already been registered in Haveri alone even as police suspect many more victims have not yet come forward.

The police said the victims were also offered fake work-from-home jobs, such as writing company profiles, with earnings shown on the app dashboard. However, no money was ever paid.

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The SP warned the public: “People should stay away from such fraudulent apps, including fake loan and money-doubling apps, all of these are scams. The Trump App has now been shut down. Scammers misuse the names of well-known personalities, and everyone must remain vigilant. Do not click on any unauthorised links.”

The Haveri Cybercrime, Economics and Narcotics (CEN) police have registered a case and are investigating. The police are now tracking the digital footprint of the perpetrators.