- Trump supporters have reportedly been 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.
- A new report from NBC News shows that some people thought buying the memorabilia would make them rich.
Supporters of former President Donald Trump have allegedly been scammed out of thousands of dollars through the sale of commemorative “Trump Bucks” which scammers claim can be exchanged for real money.
Several companies are reportedly using publicity tactics, including creating AI-generated videos of Trump and other figures like Elon Musk to claim that worthless “Trump Bucks” will make them rich, according to a new report from NBC News. .
Some of the people who bought Trump’s memorabilia tried to exchange them for real US dollars at banks and told NBC News that bank workers were reporting it as a growing problem. Several companies have been identified to market and sell the counterfeit currency, NBC News reported, including a number of apparently Colorado-based companies 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 people who purchased the card or other Trump-branded items told NBC News that messages that appeared to imply that Trump himself endorsed the products were a significant motivator for them to buy.
The card promises shoppers that they can “live the American dream, live the life you were promised, and get what you always wanted without thinking twice!”
A TikTok quoted by NBC News features either an AI-generated person or a real person doing a Trump impression in a fake appearance on Fox News promoting the products. Another video posted on Twitter features a fake audio clip of Musk playing over a video of the billionaire speaking at an event, claiming he’s spent ‘a million’ on memorabilia and will ‘cash in’ his Trump items to become ‘the richest person on the planet yet.”
An ad for the “Trump Bucks” – featuring an apparently AI-generated voice identified as “John” – states that “most people believe the presidential election interfered with the course of history” and identifies Trump as “the great leader”.
The announcement also states that the bills are “not legal tender”, but seconds later the TRB membership card will actually allow them to use the bills as payment and deposit them at banks like Wells. Fargo, Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, or use 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 talking about several people trying to exchange the worthless notes for much larger notes. amount of money they spent to buy them.
businessinsider
