The term in question refers to deceptive SMS messages that capitalize on public interest surrounding legal matters involving a prominent political figure. These messages falsely claim the individual has been apprehended and often include a link that purports to offer more information or an opportunity to take action. Such links typically lead to phishing websites, malware downloads, or attempts to collect personal data. An example might be a text message stating, “Breaking News: Trump Arrested! See the full story here [malicious link].”
The emergence of this kind of scheme highlights the exploitation of current events for malicious purposes. The immediacy and wide reach of SMS communication make it an attractive medium for distributing scams. The potential impact ranges from individual financial loss and identity theft to the spread of misinformation and erosion of trust in legitimate news sources. Historically, similar tactics have been used in conjunction with natural disasters, celebrity scandals, and other high-profile events.
