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- Trump supporters are reportedly being scammed out of thousands of dollars on items like “Trump Bucks”.
- Some of the supporters were convinced by fake videos of Trump and Elon Musk promoting the products.
Supporters of former President Donald Trump are reportedly being scammed out of thousands of dollars through the sale of commemorative “Trump Bucks” that fraudsters say can be exchanged for real cash.
Several companies are allegedly using advertising tactics including creating AI-generated videos of Trump and other figures like Elon Musk to claim the worthless “Trump Bucks” will make them rich, according to a new report from NBC News.
Some of the people who bought the Trump memorabilia have attempted to exchange it for real US dollars at banks, and told NBC News that bank employees are reporting it as a growing issue. Several companies have been identified for marketing and selling the false currency, NBC News reported, including a number of businesses seemingly based in Colorado with names like Patriots Dynasty, Patriots Future, and USA Patriots.
“President Trump wants you to finally open your eyes and believe in his power for a better tomorrow!” reads a banner message on one of the sites advertising a “TRB Black Card,” which sells as a single card for $90 or packs of up to 10 cards for $500.
Many of the people who bought the card or other Trump-branded items told NBC News that messages that appeared to imply Trump himself was endorsing the products were a significant motivator for them to buy in.
The card promises buyers will be able to “live the American Dream, live the life you were promised and get the things you always wanted without thinking twice!”
A TikTok cited by NBC News features either an AI-generated or real person doing an impression of Trump in a fake appearance on Fox News promoting the products. Another video posted to Twitter features a fake audio clip of Musk playing over a video of the billionaire speaking at an event, claiming he has spent “one million” on the memorabilia and is going to “cash out” his Trump items to become “the richest person on the planet again.”
One ad for the “Trump Bucks” — featuring a seemingly AI-generated voice identified as “John” — states “most people believe that the presidential election interfered with the course of history” and identifies Trump as “the great leader.”
The ad also says the bills are “not legal tender,” but seconds later says the TRB membership card will actually allow them to use the bills as tender and deposit them in banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase, or use them at popular retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Home Depot.
Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Walmart and Home Depot all told NBC News they don’t accept “Trump Bucks,” and a Bank of America spokesperson said the company has heard from employees about several people trying to exchange the worthless bills for significantly larger amounts of cash than they spent to buy them.
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