Davos scammers exploit Trump's pay-to-play system where presidential access sells for $1 million

Bloomberg broke the story on Jan. 20, 2026: 'gullible billionaires' were 'duped into buying fake tickets for access to Trump's entourage' at Davos. Scammers exploited business leaders' desperation for guaranteed time with the president. Trump was scheduled to speak at the forum on Jan. 22, with a private reception afterward for select attendees.

The con targeted CEOs and wealthy individuals in financial services, cryptocurrency, and consulting. After Trump's speech, only certain business leaders got invited to a private reception. Scammers sold what they claimed were guaranteed spots at this exclusive event. The fake credentials looked legitimate enough to fool sophisticated business leaders.

The scam reveals how presidential access has become a commodity under Trump. Business leaders see Trump's time as so valuable and his policies as so unpredictable that they'll pay large sums for guaranteed face time. The urgency to reach Trump before he makes more erratic decisions drove the willingness to pay for access.

Davos already costs tens of thousands of dollars for a week-long pass. But access to Trump specifically required additional connections or payments beyond forum attendance. This created the opportunity for fraudsters to sell what they claimed was guaranteed Trump time. The premium on Trump access exceeded even Davos's already exclusive price point.

Bloomberg didn't identify victims or estimate total losses. The report suggests multiple wealthy individuals got conned, creating embarrassment for people who pride themselves on business savvy. Victims' reluctance to come forward publicly indicates shame about being scammed and concern about admitting they were trying to buy presidential access.

The timing matters. Trump brought his largest-ever Davos delegation while simultaneously threatening European allies with tariffs over Greenland. Business leaders wanted to influence Trump's trade and economic policies. The chaos around Trump's erratic decision-making made access to him seem more urgent and valuable.

The fake ticket scheme exposes the pay-to-play culture surrounding Trump. When policy decisions depend on personal relationships and access to the president himself, people become desperate to secure that access. Scammers exploited the transactional system Trump created where face time equals influence.