A 56-year-old Florida man has been arrested for allegedly scamming a 74-year-old Texas woman out of $250,000 by pretending to be Elon Musk on Facebook.
Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan, Jr., of Bradenton, Florida, is accused of creating a fake Facebook account using Musk’s image and engaging in months-long communication with the elderly victim, according to a news release from the Bradenton Police Department. The victim reportedly believed she could earn $55 million through investments in Musk’s businesses.
Over several months, police say the woman transferred at least $250,000 to accounts connected to Moynihan and his business, which specializes in painting and pressure washing. However, the victim’s husband told authorities the amount sent may actually total $600,000. Investigators are still working to determine the full extent of the alleged scam.
Moynihan was arrested on November 19 in Bradenton and charged with grand theft. Police say the investigation into the operation is ongoing.
This case is part of a broader trend involving scammers impersonating public figures like Musk. A recent CBS News report highlighted Musk as the most frequently used celebrity for scams involving modern tactics like deepfakes.
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