In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency scams, Trumpelon.io is a fraudulent platform that leverages deep fake videos of Elon Musk and Donald Trump to trick people into participating in a fake cryptocurrency giveaway. The scam is promoted through phony YouTube live streams featuring digitally altered footage of Elon Musk encouraging viewers to participate in the supposed giveaway. Once victims are drawn in, they are instructed to send cryptocurrency, only to lose their funds to the scammers behind the operation. This article reveals how Trumpelon.io executes its scam and the experiences of users who have lost money to this fraudulent platform.

The Fake Giveaway and Deep Fake Video

The primary hook of the Trumpelon.io scam is a fake YouTube live stream that features a digitally altered video of Elon Musk, designed to look and sound like the real thing. This deep fake video presents Musk promoting a cryptocurrency giveaway supposedly endorsed by both him and Donald Trump. The video, however, is entirely fake, and neither Musk nor Trump has any affiliation with the platform.

In the live stream, viewers are told that if they send a certain amount of cryptocurrency to a specific address, they will receive double the amount in return. This type of scam, commonly known as a “giveaway scam”, plays on the trust and reputation of high-profile figures like Elon Musk to lure people into sending their cryptocurrency.

User Reports: $5,298.07 Lost in Bitcoin Scam

One unfortunate victim of Trumpelon.io reported losing 0.0917651 BTC, equivalent to $5,298.07, after being convinced by the fake YouTube live stream to participate in the giveaway. The victim sent their Bitcoin to the scam receiving address, bc1qgugggqdch0aff4g6h7ts3sxr43cf9qgt0cjnc4, only to realize later that they had been scammed.

The promise of doubling cryptocurrency through such giveaways is always a scam, yet the use of deep fake technology and live streams adds a new layer of deception, making it even more difficult for unsuspecting users to detect the fraud.

Domain Information and Short Lifespan

An analysis of the Trumpelon.io domain reveals that it was only recently created, further confirming its fraudulent nature:

– Updated Date: 2024-08-16T12:20:50Z
– Creation Date: 2024-08-11T12:20:30Z
– Registry Expiry Date: 2025-08-11T12:20:30Z
– Registrar Abuse Contact Email: tld-abuse@nic.ru
– Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +7.4950091333

The short lifespan of the domain suggests that the scammers behind Trumpelon.io set up the website with the intent of defrauding people quickly before shutting it down and moving on to the next scam. These platforms often operate for a limited time, collecting as much money as possible before disappearing.

How the Trumpelon.io Scam Works

1. Fake YouTube Live Stream: The scam begins with a YouTube live stream featuring a deep fake video of Elon Musk, falsely claiming a partnership with Donald Trump to promote a cryptocurrency giveaway.

2. Encouraging Crypto Transfers: In the video, viewers are told to send cryptocurrency to a specific address, with the promise of receiving double the amount in return.

3. Victims Send Crypto: Convinced by the apparent legitimacy of the video, victims send their cryptocurrency to the scam address, hoping for a large return.

4. Funds Are Lost: Once the cryptocurrency is sent, the victims receive nothing in return, and the scammers disappear with the funds.

Cryptocurrency Receiving Address

The cryptocurrency receiving address used in this scam is bc1qgugggqdch0aff4g6h7ts3sxr43cf9qgt0cjnc4, which has been linked to fraudulent transactions. As with most crypto scams, once the funds are sent to this address, they are nearly impossible to trace or recover. The anonymity and irreversibility of cryptocurrency transactions make it an ideal tool for scammers.

Red Flags and How to Avoid Similar Scams

1. Fake Giveaways: Be cautious of any platform or individual claiming to offer a cryptocurrency giveaway, especially if they ask for upfront transfers. Legitimate giveaways never require payment or crypto transfers to participate.

2. Deep Fake Technology: With the rise of deep fake videos, it’s important to verify the source of any video promoting a giveaway or investment. Trust only official channels, and be skeptical of live streams involving high-profile figures like Elon Musk.

3. Recently Created Domains: Scam platforms often use newly created domains with short lifespans. Check the domain’s registration details, and avoid engaging with platforms that lack an established online history.

Conclusion

Trumpelon.io is a fraudulent platform that uses deep fake videos and fake YouTube live streams to trick users into participating in a fake cryptocurrency giveaway. By leveraging the reputations of high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, the platform lures victims into sending cryptocurrency, only to steal their funds.

If you come across Trumpelon.io or similar platforms, be vigilant and avoid sending any cryptocurrency. Victims of this scam should report the incident to relevant authorities and spread awareness to help prevent others from falling into the same trap.