Cyber criminals dupe investors to the tune of crores with ‘Trump’ app

HAVERI: Cyber fraudster have duped several gullible people across several districts to the tune of crores by creating an app in the name of US President Donald Trump for investments. Many people from Haveri itself have lost money to the tune of lakhs.

According to the police, the cyber criminals are suspected to have duped investors in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Tumakuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Shivamogga and other districts too. In Haveri, at least 15 people have been duped to the tune of lakhs.

The fraudsters advertised the Trump app on social media promising high returns in a short span of time. Initially, investors got double the amount and even interest on their investments. When people invested more money, the fraudsters locked the app, police said.

The victims include businessmen, lawyers, students and even government employees. “So far, we have received one complaint while several other have filed appeals. The fraudsters duped people by launching an unverified app. After three months, they have locked the app and defrauded those who invested money. People should be more careful before using any such apps”, Police Superintendent Anshu Kumar said.