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It started with a Facebook friend request and a message, which was great to come true.
Then, it quickly turned into an expensive lesson in online deception.
The woman took place in Jensen Beach, Florida, wrote to us saying, “She kept telling me that it was my lucky day. I had won only a new white Tesla and $ 250,000 cash. Whatever I needed to do, she needed to send an Apple gift card for $ 200. So I made more to pay for my house.
While presenting the scammer, alone musk, used to woo the victim in flatter, fake urgency and a solid profile to woo the victim carefully. There was someone behind the big promises who went into the unattainable gift card with hundreds of dollars. Here is how the scam works and how you can avoid falling for it.
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A person is trying a Tesla vehicle. (Kurt “Cybergui” Notson)
How Elon Musk Tesla Facebook Scam works
Such a scam often begins after posting someone about Musk, Tesla or Cryptocurrency. Scammers monitor public Facebook activity, then send a friend request from an account using Musk’s name and photo. The profile may look valid, with copied images, reposted news articles or AI-related materials.
Once the request is accepted, the repatriation encourages the victim to continue the conversation on WhatsApp. From there, this scam manifests in a way that feels accidental but calculation. The victim is congratulated on being selected randomly to win a new Tesla and a large cash prize, often around $ 250,000. But before the reward can be given, they are asked to cover “delivery fees” using Apple gift card.
In the case of a woman of Jensen Beach, she sent several gift cards of a total of $ 800 before realizing the story. After claiming that a delivery truck was broken, Scammer requested even more money. When he recognized the pattern and blocked the account. But unfortunately, by then, the money had already gone.
A Facebook app on smartphone. (Kurt “Cybergui” Notson)
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Why scams prefer gift cards in online scam
Gift cards are one of the most common devices used in scams as they are sharp, anonymous and almost impossible after the code is shared. Scammers often claim that the card needs to cover fees, unlock the award or verify its identity. Once a scammer has a code, they can do some things:
- Spend immediate balance on digital goods or services
- Sell ​​cards at online marketplace at discount
- Laund the funds through resale sites or gaming platforms.
Apple gift cards are often used as 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 Prepaid cards, it depends on what they think that the victim can access. These requests usually come with urgency. The victims may be asked to stay on the phone when purchasing cards or scratching from behind and sending a picture of the code. The feeling of pressure is designed to override other ideas. If you do not know anyone then the gift asks for payment in the card, it is a scam. No legitimate organization or competition will ever call them as payment or verification.
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Other alone musk to learn about the modeling scam
Famous celebrities or scams implementing public figures have become rapidly common. Criminals use famous names to create a false sense of faith and urgency. Once they draw your attention, they use that belief to steal money or personal information. Musk scam is one of the most frequently done figures in campaigns. His name is widely associated with innovation, crypto and high-value Giveaways, which makes him an ideal goal for fraudsters trying to look valid. Some of the most common alone-related scams are included:
- Energy-saving device scam: A scam used Musk’s photo and fake administer to promote a suspected energy product through Facebook advertisements. The advertisement was styled to look like a real news article, making it difficult to appear as a fake. Read more about the energy-saving scam here.
- Fake investment opportunities: In one case, a scammer assured a woman that she was in a relationship with Kasturi and persuaded her to invest in a business venture. She was lost over $ 26,000 before realizing this.
- Crypto GiveAway Livestreams: These scams often appear on YouTube or in advertisements, claiming that Musk is hosting a cheaper route. The victims are said to send a cryptocurrency with the promise of doubling in turn. In fact, money is taken and never returned.
The relationship that these scams are together is the use of a familiar face for less doubt. The scammer can use deepfac videos, AI-rented voice clips or a medical screenshot to make the proposal feel more real. Once the target is attached, the pressure begins. The victims are asked to send money, work quickly and avoid telling someone. If a message or advertisement contains a celebrity that provides special access to free money, concessional products or private opportunities, then it is almost certainly a scam.
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A Facebook app on smartphone. (Kurt “Cybergui” Notson)
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How to protect yourself from alone musk gift card scam
These scams rely on quick decisions, emotional reactions and false sense of faith. Slow and check for warning signals may help you stay safe. Here are some practical steps:
1. Never send a gift card code to anyone that you do not know: If someone asks Apple, Amazon or Google Play card as payment or verification, it is a scam. No real award, agency or company will request gift cards.
2. Doubt the claims of the award from celebrity accounts: Musk is not messaging on Facebook to give teslas or cash to people. If the profile is rejected or the proposal seems random, rely on your tendency and ignore it.
3. Do not transfer conversation to private apps like WhatsApp or Telegram: Scammers often push for this because these platforms have low safety measures, no public comments thread and limited reporting tools. Once the chat is away from Facebook, it becomes very difficult to verify or report what is happening. If a person you do not know, emphasizes switching the platforms, it is usually an indication that they are hiding something.
4. Consider using data removal service: If a scammer has targeted you or imposed you online, then your personal information is floating on data broker websites. These sites collect and sell everything from your home address to the names of your family members, making you a big goal for future scams. Data removal services can help you scan the web and request these brokers to remove your information. While you can do it manually, it is time to take. Services such as Incogni provide membership that automatically make the process and monitor for new exposure. If you have been scam or suspect your information is leaked, then using data removal service adds another layer of security and peace of mind. See my top pics for data removal services here.
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5. See for common red flag: Be alert to suddenly friends requests from unfamiliar accounts, vague messages that refer to any pressure to win, poor grammar or work quickly. Scammers often use emotional trigger to override your decision. If something looks closed or very convenient, it is probably.
6. Install strong antivirus software on all devices: Some copying scams include a phishing page or malware links. Antivirus devices can block these dangers before reaching your inbox. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that establishes malware, potentially reaches your personal information, is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This security can also make you alert for email and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my pics for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices,
7. Use two-factor authentication and a password manager: If a scam compromises your login credentials, Two-factor authentication (2fa) Can block unauthorized access. A password manager also helps to protect from reuse or weakened password. Find out more about me Best expert-reviewed password manager of 2025 here.
8. Report the scam immediately: Use Facebook reporting tool To flagged fake profiles or messages. You can also file a complaint with FTC Reportfraud.ftc.gov To help others warn.
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Kurt’s major takeaways
Fake award scams, investment nets and Facebook are using the name of Scammers Musk to run plans. In one case, a reader suffered a loss of $ 800 after being promised in Tesla and $ 250,000 cash, but only when they used to send apple gift cards first. These scams rely on trust, speed and celebrity recognition. The real musk is not sending personal messages to strangers. If someone contacts you about the award and asks for money or gift card, it is a scam. Report it, block the account and help others to be vigilant.
Have you ever been contacted by someone pretending to be alone mask? Write us and tell us Cyberguy.com/Contact,
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