Karnataka lawyer defrauded in Trump Hotel scheme using AI-generated video
A 38-year-old lawyer in Karnataka was defrauded of Rs 5,93,240 by cybercriminals who used an AI-generated video of Donald Trump to promote a fake hotel rentals investment scheme. The victim was directed through a YouTube link to download an app and initially received promised returns before the scammers stopped paying out.
What happened
In January 2025, a 38-year-old advocate came across a YouTube video offering an investment opportunity in 'Donald Trump Hotel Rentals' that directed him to download a mobile application. After clicking the link, he was asked to fill out a form with his bank account details and IFSC code, and paid Rs 1,500 to activate his account.
The victim was promised 3 per cent daily returns on his investment. Initially he received returns, encouraging him to invest more money. Between January 25 and April 4, he deposited a total of Rs 5,93,240 to various bank accounts, UPI IDs, and digital wallets. After April 4, he stopped receiving returns and was unable to recover his invested amount.
The victim reported his complaint to Haveri Central Crime Police Station on May 6, 2025. The police investigation revealed the complainant was tricked through a fake link and froze Rs 1.5 lakh from one of the linked bank accounts.
Reported impact
The victim lost Rs 5,93,240 to the fraudulent scheme. Police have appealed to the public to stay alert and avoid clicking on suspicious links, noting that crores of rupees have been swindled across the country through similar schemes.
Index analysis
The fraud used an AI-generated deepfake video of Donald Trump to add credibility to the false investment opportunity. The scheme employed multiple tactics including a YouTube video directing victims to download an app, collection of banking credentials, initial returns to build trust, and requests for additional investments.
Governance controls
A case was registered under the IT Act and Section 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. During investigation, Rs 1.5 lakh from a bank account to which money was transferred has been frozen.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.