Former US President Donald Trump has found himself at the centre of a staggering $1 billion (£800 million) Amazon coupon scam, orchestrated through a network of fraudulent websites. The elaborate scheme preyed on unsuspecting shoppers by offering fake discounts in Trump's name.
How the Scam Worked
Cybercriminals created multiple websites impersonating legitimate coupon platforms, luring victims with promises of exclusive Amazon vouchers. The sites falsely claimed Trump had brokered a deal with the retail giant, offering unbelievable discounts on high-value items.
According to cybersecurity experts, the operation used sophisticated phishing techniques to harvest personal and financial information from victims. Many users reported unauthorised transactions after entering their payment details on these fake portals.
The Scale of the Fraud
Investigators estimate the scam may have netted over $1 billion before being shut down. The operation's sophistication suggests it was the work of an organised cybercrime network rather than amateur fraudsters.
Amazon has confirmed it's working with law enforcement to track down those responsible. A company spokesperson stated: "We take fraud attempts extremely seriously and are cooperating fully with authorities investigating this matter."
Political Fallout
The use of Trump's name without authorisation has raised questions about the vulnerability of public figures to digital impersonation. Legal experts suggest the former president could potentially pursue legal action against the perpetrators for misuse of his likeness.
This incident highlights the growing sophistication of online shopping scams, particularly those leveraging celebrity names to appear legitimate. Consumers are urged to verify coupon sites through official retailer channels before entering any personal information.
