A dark web site called “Destroy Trump” has appeared, which claims to raise funds for an assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump.
Launched two weeks ago, it claims to have raised $13,245 of a $30,000 goal. However, a closer look shows that it may simply be a malicious crowdfunding scam.
As Daily Dot discovers, an anonymous person on the site claims to have the “adequate skills,” the “adequate knowledge,” and a “plan” to carry out the attack he intends to carry out. An ambitious plea for cash accompanies those claims:
“I want your outfit. I want money. Every dollar I will receive. I want to raise $30,000. We don’t have much time left. Please!Let’s do it together!”
Below are Bitcoin and Monero cryptocurrency wallets that ask users to donate anonymously.
Although the author claims to have gotten much closer to the target amount, an investigation of cryptocurrency wallets related to the online page shows no actual transactions. This is a red flag indicating the fraudulent nature of the online page, showing that its true objective is simply to exploit people’s concern and interest for money.
The Daily Dot reached out to the Secret Service for comment on the site but did not hear back at the time of writing. This isn’t the first time people have made threats against Trump.
In July, an assailant shot Trump at a crusade rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, but no blood was drawn. In September, a possible attacker at Trump International Golf Club was arrested by Secret Service agents in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The “Destroy Trump” site is one example of a bigger trend: fraudulent schemes on the dark web are multiplying in number. From so-called “hitman” services to dubious crowdfunding sites, operations like these thrive in the dark corners of the internet-only accessible via specialized browsers.
One example is the well-known “kill market,” introduced in 2014 through a self-proclaimed anarchist. They allowed users to fund bounties for high-profile figures, including then-President Barack Obama and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
There are reports that killers can simply claim the budget by presenting evidence of their actions.
While the “Destroy Trump” site is scary on its own, the fact that it is not at all credible and has obviously deceptive intentions creates a much bigger problem: greater awareness and diligence is needed against dark web scams.
This is one example of why law enforcement monitoring and disruption of such activity can be so important.
Because data misconduct and fraud can occur so temporarily in the age of data, it’s a phenomenon that users view with skepticism and make cybersecurity a priority.
In September, a new study found that incorrect information labels could backfire on Trump supporters. However, it is also vital that it affects all other people, regardless of age, status, or symbol, and regardless of whether you are loyal to Trump or not.
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