Title: “Macedonian Scammers Capitalize on Trump’s Popularity with Bogus Debit Cards”

A New Financial Scandal in Veles, North Macedonia

Veles, North Macedonia, has once again made headlines for its digital industries, this time due to a financial scandal involving fraudulent Trump-themed debit cards.

An Offer Too Good to Refuse

In September 2023, Ann Bratton, a retiree from the Nashville-area, received an intriguing offer on a Telegram app channel. The ad promised debit-like “Trump cards,” each alleged to have a preloaded balance of $200,000. Bratton, believing she had discovered a lucrative investment opportunity, transferred $6,000 to the vendors.

The Opague Sellers

The vendors were an enigmatic group of web-based salespeople based in Veles. The city, known for its digital disinformation industry, had now become a hub for thriving digital markets selling fraudulent goods.

The Connection to Political Disinformation

There is no established link between the sellers and Former U.S. President Donald Trump or his organizations. However, experts claim that the same digital infrastructure built for spreading disinformation facilitated the sale of these deceptive debit cards.

The Allure of Swift Financial Returns

Bratton’s experience mirrors that of numerous other unsuspecting customers. Ads targeting pro-Trump Americans offer quick financial gains, fueling the belief that the return of the 45th U.S. president would increase the value of the counterfeit merchandise.

The Mechanics of the Scheme

The scam operates by persuading customers to purchase these products to retrieve returns on previous investments, often at exorbitant prices. One closed Telegram channel advertising the cards promised registrations of up to $500,000 per card. Victims reported receiving cards but, when attempting to withdraw funds, discovered they had been left empty-handed.

The Challenges of Intervention

The ease of communication through encryption apps and the anonymity offered make it challenging for authorities to intervene. There has been no evident response from competent authorities in the U.S. or North Macedonia.

Economic Despair in Veles

Veles, once the second-largest industrial city in North Macedonia, now battles a dwindling population and significant economic challenges. High unemployment rates and limited opportunities for legitimate employment have led many young people to engage in “clicking,” the new generation of scams, for quick financial resources.

The Consequences of Silence

With profits growing, more aspiring individuals are recruited into the illicit business. The proceeds from these criminal activities provide significant economic resources for a city struggling in economic uncertainty, perpetuating the digital disinformation industry and financial scamming in Veles.

Borce Velkovski’s Confessions

Despite the extensive deceit, many in the city remain reticent, fearing speaking out against their fellow residents. The local authorities, with limited resources and evidence, have yet to take decisive action. In Veles, where silence prevails, the digital disinformation industry and financial scamming continue to flourish, leaving unsuspecting victims in their wake.