Elon Musk scam victims on Facebook with Tesla Hoax

Started with a Facebook friend request and a message that felt too well to be true.

Then he quickly turned into a expensive lesson of online deception.

The woman who happened to Jensen Beach, Florida, wrote to us by saying, “He told me that was my lucky day. I had just won a new white tesla and $ 250,000. All I had to do was send him a apple gift card for $ 200. So I did it. Well, $ 800 later, I wanted more to pay for the broken truck that was in my house to give me to my ties.”

The scammer, as Elon Musk, used flattening, a false urgency and a convincing profile to attract the victim to a careless deception. Behind the great promises was someone who moved away with hundreds of dollars on indisputable gift cards. It then shows how the scam works and how it can be avoided.

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A near call with a Facebook scam that tried to steal information about the credit card

How does Elon Musk Tesla’s Facebook scam work

This type of scam often begins after someone publishes about Musk, Tesla or Cryptocurrency. The scammers control Facebook’s public activity, and then send a friend request for an account with the name and photo of Musk. The profile may seem legitimate, with copied images, replaced news articles or content generated by AI.

Once the application is accepted, the impersoner encourages the victim to continue the conversation at WhatsApp. From there, the scam unfolds in a way that is accidental but calculated. The victim is congratulated on being randomly selected for winning a new Tesla and a cash prize, often about $ 250,000. But before the reward can be delivered, they are told to cover “delivery rates” using an Apple gift card.

In the case of Jensen Beach’s wife, he sent several gift cards for $ 800 before making the story that was a configuration. After claiming that a delivery truck had been broken down, the scammer applied even more money. It was when he recognized the pattern and blocked the account. But unfortunately, the funds had already disappeared.

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Why scammers prefer gift cards in online scams

Gift cards are one of the most common tools used in scams because they are fast, anonymous and almost impossible to recover -once the code is shared. Scammers often claim that cards are needed to cover rates, unlock a prize, or verify your identity. Once a scammer has the code, he can do some things:

• Spend the balance immediately on digital goods or services
• Sell ​​the card to the online markets with a discount
• Bloure backgrounds through resale sites or game platforms.

Apple gift cards are frequently used because they are easy to find in stores and can be used for high value digital purchases. But scammers also use Google Play, Amazon, Steam and Visa cards, according to what they think the victim can access. These requests are usually urgently. The victims can be told to stay on the phone while buying the cards or scratching at the rear and sending a photo of the code immediately. This feeling of pressure is designed to override the second thoughts. If someone you don’t know asks for payment on gift cards, it’s a scam. No legitimate organization or competition will never ask them as a payment or verification.

Met

Other Elon Musk impersonation scams to meet

The scams that supplant celebrities or public figures have become more and more common. Criminals use well -known names to create a false sense of confidence and urgency. Once they are careful, they use this confidence to steal money or personal information. Musk is one of the most common figures in scam campaigns. Its name is widely associated with innovation, crypto and high value gifts, which makes it a perfect goal for defrauders who try to look legitimate. Some of the most common scams related to Elon include:

• Energy saving devices scams: A scam used Musk’s photo and fake testimonies to promote a suspicious energy product through Facebook ads. The announcement was designed to look like a real news item, which made it difficult to detect as a fake. More information on the energy saving scam here.
• False investment opportunities: In one case, a scammer convinced a woman who was related to Musk and convinced her to invest in a business company. Lost more than $ 26,000 before realizing it was a deception.
• Crypto Giveaway Streams: These scams often appear on YouTube or ads, claiming that Musk welcomes a gift. The victims are told that they send the cryptocurrency with the promise of double in return. Actually, money is taken and never turns.

What unites these scams is the use of a family face in the lower suspicion. The scammer can use the Deepfake video, voice clips generated by AI or doctoral screenshots to make the offer feel more real. Once the goal is involved, the pressure begins. The victims are asked to send money, to act quickly and avoid saying it to anyone. If a message or advertisement involves a celebrity that offers free money, discount products or special access to a private opportunity, it is almost certainly a scam.

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How to protect —s of Elon Musk’s gift card scams

These scams are based on quick decisions, emotional reactions and a false sense of confidence. Slow down and check for alert signs can help you keep you safe. Here are some practical steps:

1. Never send gift card codes to anyone you don’t know: If someone asks Apple, Amazon or Google Play as a payment or verification, it is a scam. No real prize, agency or company will apply for gift cards.

2. Musk is not messaging people on Facebook to give teslas or cash. If the profile is not verified or the offer is random, trust your instincts and ignore it.

3. Do not move conversations to private applications such as WhatsApp or Telegram: The scammers usually drive because these platforms have less safeguards, without public commentary wires and limited reporting tools. Once the chat comes from Facebook, it is much harder to verify or report what is happening. If someone you don’t know insists on switching platforms, it’s usually a sign that hides something.

4. Think of using a data removal service: If a scammer has oriented you or has affected you online, your personal information is likely to come out on the data runners websites. These places collect and sell everything from your home address to the names of your family members, which makes you a greater goal for future scams. Data removal services can help you scan the web and request the deletion of the information of these runners. Although you can do it manually, it takes a long time. Services such as INCOGNI offer subscriptions that automate the process and monitor new exhibitions. If you have been scammed or suspect that your information has been leaked, the use of a data removal service adds another layer of protection and tranquility. Check out my best options for data removal services here.

Get a Free Exploration To find out if your personal information is already on the network

5. Watch the common red flags: Note the requests of sudden friends of little known accounts, vague messages that mention surprise gains, poor grammar or any pressure to act quickly. The scammers often use emotional triggers to nullify your judgment. If something feels outside or too convenient, probably.

6. Install a strong antivirus software on all devices: Some impersonation scams include links to phishing pages or malicious software. Antivirus tools can block these threats before reaching the inbox. The best way to safeguard the malicious links that install malicious software, which can potentially access your private information, is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to Phishing emails and ransomware scams, maintaining safe personal information and digital assets. Get my options for the best antivirus 2025 protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

7. Use the authentication of two factors and a password manager: If a scam is committed to your login credentials, Authentication of two factors (2f) can block unauthorized access. A password manager also helps to protect themselves from reuse or weak passwords. Get more details about my The best password managers reviewed by 2025 experts here.

8. Report the scam right away: Use Facebook report tools to mark fake profiles or messages. You can also file a complaint to the FTC at Reportfraud.FTC.GOV to help warn others.

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Kurt’s Key Takeaways

The scammers use the Musk name to execute fake prizes, investment traps and Facebook impersonation schemes. In one case, a reader lost $ 800 after a Tesla and $ 250,000 were promised, but only if they sent the Apple Gift Cards first. These scams are based on the trust, speed and recognition of celebrities. True musc does not send private messages to strangers. If someone contacts a prize and asks for money or gift cards, it’s a scam. Report — Block the account and help others keep in alert.

Has anyone contacted you with someone who intends to be Elon Musk? Do -us to know by writing -us to Cyberguy.com/contact.

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