Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, leaves Phillip Burton Federal Constructing in San Francisco on January 24, 2023. … [+]
Social media is full of numerous scammers attempting to capitalize on Elon Musk’s title. Simply have a look below any of Musk’s tweets and also you’ll see folks promising crypto giveaways, which are literally simply scams that siphon cash away from customers. Are these scams actually value it? These are true. And I’ve obtained the tales to show it.
With a view to discover out about client complaints in opposition to firms, I file Freedom of Data Act (FOIA), requests often with the FTC. Beforehand I’ve finished this with FTX, Tinder and Canon simply to call a couple of. It’s an attention-grabbing option to find out about customer support issues. However once I just lately filed a FOIA request for complaints about Tesla, I obtained some paperwork that I didn’t anticipate.
Nearly all of complaints involved Tesla. Individuals have been complaining about points with financing and warranties. However customers have been additionally complaining about scams on social media the place the con artists have been utilizing the Tesla model and Elon Musk’s title to tear folks off. And there have been far more of those tales than I ever would’ve anticipated.
Nearly the entire complaints have been about crypto cash resembling Ethereum
ETH
BTC
DOGE
A number of the scams concerned cryptocurrencies with names like Mini Tesla and Tesla Token, whereas different scams had URLs involving area exploration and appeared to capitalize on Musk’s need to ship people to Mars along with his firm SpaceX. One of many complaints even concerned an individual who claimed to work for Tesla, although I wasn’t capable of verify whether or not that was true, given the character of the FTC’s redactions of the paperwork to guard the privateness of customers.
It seems that many individuals realized the significance of not investing in suspect cryptocurrency on-line. However a number of the complaints are heartbreaking exactly as a result of it appears they didn’t be taught their lesson. One instance is when somebody claims they have been scammed out of their cash after studying that Musk was making a cryptocurrency token. Nonetheless, it seems this scheme is a fraud.
“They have been operating a token pre-sale for Tesla, I used to be . However I didn’t permit myself sufficient time to do my analysis on them earlier than investing into what I believed was an precise pre-sale of a brand new Tesla token,” the grievance reads.
However the grievance to the FTC didn’t finish there. Subsequent is probably the most heartbreaking sentence.
“Elon did the truth is launch a brand new token, however the one I bought was not the legit token,” the grievance continued.
Musk has not but launched his cryptocurrency token. Musk is open in regards to the crypto investments he made in Bitcoin and Dogecoin. Nonetheless, if the nameless investor invested in one other token claiming to be related to Musk in any method they have been scammed as soon as once more.
Many complaints present detailed explanations and particulars about how the victims misplaced their cash. A number of the complaints are brief warnings to FTC. Others embrace URLs or social media handles that point out the place they have been allegedly scammed.
The complaints have been redacted by the FTC to guard the privateness of the individuals who acquired scammed and I’ve made extra redactions in some situations to not give out the URLs of scammers, which runs the danger of legitimizing their scams in serps. A lot of the web sites within the complaints have been pulled offline already however there’s all the time the possibility they could possibly be rebooted if the scammers discover a flurry of visitors. However searches on the Web Archive’s Wayback Machine have allowed me to confirm that these URLS have been certainly in existence over the previous two years, typically with horrible spelling and grammatical errors.
For instance, within the screenshot I’ve captured under on the Wayback Machine, you’ll be able to see the phrase “marathon” is misspelled as “maraton.”
Screenshot from a rip-off web site which used Elon Musk’s picture to deceive folks. … [+]
For readability, some complaints have obtained very minor modifications in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. The FTC has not made any modifications to the grievance.
Consideration, folks! Crypto continues to be the Wild West. Particularly when scammers attempt to use Elon Musk’s picture to swindle folks out of cash.
“I transferred $1,200 in Bitcoin”
Fb posted an commercial for Tesla Token. This appears like Elon Musk providing new cryptos as a startup supply. From my Coinbase account, I despatched $1,200 in Bitcoin. They’ve despatched me emails and I’ll ahead these to you if they’re useful. […]Sure. My cash could be returned. Nonetheless, I’d like them to be stopped and detained extra. You possibly can contact me any time.
“I despatched 10,000 Dogecoin within the understanding he would ship again 20,000 doge for my funding.”
I used to be watching Elon stay in motion throughout a gathering. He spoke of Dogecoin falling to 0.12 cents per coin, earlier than absolutely investing. The banner above the video indicated the place your Doge must be despatched. (Presumably on the time it was Elon’s public Doge pockets tackle) I despatched 10,000 Dogecoin within the understanding he would ship again 20,000 Doge for my funding. My coin was by no means returned to me after I had despatched it. Crypto.com mentioned they couldn’t assist me. Though I tried to contact Crypto.com, they mentioned that they don’t take care of wallets or public funds. I’ve the pockets tackle however that’s the one data I’ve in the meanwhile. The funds have been by no means withdrawn and I simply don’t know what to do at this level. We’d tremendously admire your help.
“I submitted an order for 40,000 tokens”
My spouse and I shared a Fb Occasion about Tesla Tokens’ launch which led to you being despatched. [redacted](This picture can be pretend. I checked out it). The picture hyperlinks to [redacted]The place you should buy Tesla tokens with cryptocurrency. The equal to 800 USDC, I positioned an order for 40,000 tokens.
. To disclaim entry, I’ve since taken any cash from that pockets. You too can fill out your private info and add paperwork like driver’s license or passport.
USDC
“Elon Musk was doubling BTC”
Elon Musk acknowledged that he was going to double BTC. To the offered tackle, I despatched 1 BTC to Gemini Trade. Coinbase Trade account. I despatched 0.01.28. The subsequent night time I reported a phishing website to the US Secret Service and accomplished an IC3.gov type. Nonetheless, my BTC by no means obtained.
“I’m an fool and by no means acquired something again”
You possibly can watch the stay YouTube occasion by pretending that you’re Elon Musk. [redacted]In alternate for twice the quantity. [Redacted] – that is the YouTube it’s on and it continues to stay stream. Says 37k are watching now and it’s all a hoax. So I despatched ETH to the crypto tackle and naturally, I’m an fool and by no means acquired something again. That is my crypto pockets [redacted]That I’ve despatched cash to is deceiving everybody.
“Now the positioning is gone and I can’t get my a refund”
Instagram posted the information in regards to the Tesla token sale. After I visited the web site, they have been nonetheless promoting tokens. I made an account and bought 300 tokens. Ethereum was the foreign money I used to pay. Now the positioning is gone and I can’t get my a refund.
Rip-off Fb Group asserting the “pre-sale” of cryptocurrency cash which can be fraudulently linked … [+]
“I clearly didn’t obtain something in return and am now at a lack of roughly $2,000”
I obtained a notification through Twitter that I had been added to Elon Musk’s CryptoCurrency Giveaway checklist. This giveaway was run by a rip-off account named Elon Musk [redacted]Some unreliable numbers close to the tip. It additionally featured the very same profile photograph that Elon Musk really used. Directions offered a hyperlink. [redacted]. The web site additionally included an outline of the thrilling method Elon Musk and Tesla Advertising and marketing workforce made cryptocurrency extra standard by launching a contest to win Bitcoin and Ethereum. There was additionally a hyperlink on this website to www.medium.com. It was very straightforward to comply with the foundations: You can select Bitcoin or Ethereum and ship both a minimal of 0.025 Bitcoin (or 0.5 Ethereum) and you’d get double your quantity in return. This occurred inside minutes. This giveaway had a restricted time interval and was open to anybody who was . It appeared legit to me on the time. There have been lots of of feedback from fellow customers who had success, they usually obtained their views quantities. I additionally discovered photograph proof. It additionally had the lock image on the high of the webpage subsequent to its title. This additional confirmed that this was an precise giveaway. It sounded nice to me so I signed up for the giveaway. Beneath you can find my receipt for the quantity I despatched in ETH, in addition to the tackle of the scammers’ pockets. [redacted]I obtained nothing in return, and my Ethereum foreign money loss is roughly $2,000 USD. That is past disappointing and embarrassing. I didn’t anticipate this to occur. I’m not positive what to do at this level and don’t know if there’s any option to observe down my funds to get them again. Within the hope that this scammer is caught, I’m reporting it.
“It was silly of me, and I by no means fall for these items”
Following the official Elon Musk Twitter account, I obtained a notification from Elon Musk that I had been added to his Listing Giveaway Marathon. Clicking the hyperlink revealed that Elon Musk randomly chosen 1,000 folks to participate in a big crypto giveaway. Get in fast to enroll [redacted]. Though it was silly, I didn’t fall for this. Perhaps it was the late night time or as a result of I used to be feeling sick. The web site mentioned that you could possibly ship small quantities of Bitcoin to this BTC account and Elon Musk/Tesla would return a multiplied sum. The fraudulent BTC account was this: [redacted] I noticed shortly after I despatched it that there have been small typos on the web site and that the Twitter deal with that seemed an identical to Elon Musk’s official one was not him. It was apparent that it was a rip-off to get folks bitcoin. I simply don’t need anybody else to fall for it like I stupidly did. They’re a major problem.
“I noticed the checklist was created formally from Elon Musk’s official account on Twitter”
Twitter despatched me a discover that Elon Musk had added his checklist to their website (a model new Twitter characteristic). I entered the checklist and I noticed the checklist was created formally from Elon Musk’s official account on Twitter, and that’s why I trusted it. That is the url for the checklist. Right here is the URL [redacted]. I despatched my bitcoins cash to this tackle.
“I’ve to say, it was very effectively orchestrated.”
YouTube opened instantly and I noticed the stay stream, which had 67,000 viewers. This was an interview between Elon Musk and Cathy Woods. Jack Dorsey gave a secret message for them to ship crypto. It was well-organized, I have to say. How did they get their stream to look on YouTube’s homepage? They’re presupposed to symbolize my trusted subscription pages. Nicely, there have been some unidentified subscriptions I discovered in my YouTube account. The pretend Ark Make investments channel additionally appeared.
“I perceive my cash might be lengthy gone”
A hyperlink was despatched to me to what seemed like a Guardian information article. It took me to the Tesla Token presale webpage, however I clicked on something. After reviewing the phrases and circumstances, I made a decision that this was an precise new cryptocurrency. We verified our e-mail addresses and identities, and every part appeared authentic to us. After that, we have been capable of purchase the Tesla Token. It wasn’t till I despatched this to a different member of the family that they began to seek out some inconsistencies with what was famous on the earlier webpage that didn’t match up. The Guardian web site and Elon Musk’s tweet have been each fabricated. After reviewing the Phrases and Circumstances once more on the Tesla Token web site, I found that the identical phrases have been used virtually precisely phrase for phrase by TokenTax. One final thing I noticed was a countdown ticker. This resets day by day, after which strikes the discharge day ahead. (Yesterday it indicated that the final day for getting Tesla Token was January 4th. At the moment it reveals that it’s Jan fifth). I didn’t understand paying in crypto versus some other cost methodology was seemingly a rip-off. Whereas I’m conscious that my cash has most likely been misplaced, I wish to spare somebody from dropping much more.
“I used to be scammed”
Tesla was freely giving 5,000 freebies. You’ll obtain 2-10 BTC should you ship 0.0245 BTC to their account. That is why I despatched them 0.0245 BTC. Their account is [redacted]. It was a rip-off and I didn’t understand it. What do I have to do? Do you suppose there’s a option to get better my BTC. Please assist me.
Rip-off web site that claimed to supply free cryptocurrency from Elon Musk.
“It needs you to ship 150 in Ethereum after which you’re going to get Tesla crypto”
Promote on Fb for an opportunity to win a Tesla-developed cryptocurrency. I shouldn’t have finished that and accepted it. The location needs you to ship 150 Ethereum cash after which you will get Tesla crypto. After you submit it, the positioning will inform you that it has canceled the transaction and supply no contact particulars.
“I purchased $200 of this coin about 10 days in the past however am unable to promote”
Mini Tesla, a cryptocurrency or alt coin is obtainable. They’re web-based and have assist web sites on Telegram and Twitter. Are you uncertain if the corporate has ever been reported? This coin was bought $200 by me about 10 days again, however I’m not capable of promote it! This is a matter with the mini Tesla, as I’ve seen many posts previously few days. You will discover out what their affords are and the odds that try to be paying while you promote on their website. Nonetheless, nobody can really promote! One publish was written by a person who had set the slippage at 80. Nonetheless, the web site says that there’s a most of 14. It’s not possible to get this coin bought. All recommendations however nothing! This website takes your cash, not permits you to promote or wrongly promote a product that you simply can’t earn cash from! When you contact them through Telegram and Twitter, and begin asking about charges or why they’ll’t promote their coin, they’ll shut down your chat and take away all messages!!
“SpaceX token”
Scammer claimed Elon Musk had launched the SpaceX token. This commercial was posted on Fb by my stupidity for not conducting analysis. The corporate requested that cash be transferred to a specific pockets after which they’d modify the quantity by way of their web site. They provided 20 bonuses for including extra cash.
“They then personify Tesla and inform gullible folks that they’ll obtain as much as 5,000 BTC”
One Twitter account with deal with [redacted] has been spreading movies on Twitter of a snippet of Elon Musk’s Twitter account, with a hyperlink to a Bitcoin giveaway. Then they painting Tesla, telling gullible prospects that they’ll obtain 5,000 BTC in alternate for 0.02 to five BTC. This may permit them to confirm their addresses. You possibly can hyperlink to the web site [redacted]
“Tesla was mining tokens”
Whereas searching Instagram, I noticed an advert that Tesla was mining tokens. 1TT = 1.25USD. I clicked the commercial to see extra. [redacted] after inputting my credentials. After getting into my credentials, I used to be invited to purchase a minimal 200 TT for $250 USD. To deposit my cash, I used to be provided the next ETH tackle [redacted]. After sending the ETH equal of $250 USD to the ETH tackle, I couldn’t entry the positioning [redacted]Once more, I needed to enter my login info. My e-mail tackle was not recognised by their system, even once I tried to reset it utilizing my forgot password. I would like your assist to combat this injustice.
“…as a give away by Elon Musk”
The web site requested that you simply switch Bitcoin so as to improve their worth. Elon Musk gave it away. It was the tackle: b(6). This was the tackle b(6). I transferred 0.02 Bitcoin. Transaction hash [redacted]
“It was setup to appear like he’s freely giving cryptocurrency.”
Stay Twitch stream of Elon Musk speaking to some folks, I suppose a video, however was made look to look as if it’s being broadcasted stay. It was setup to appear like he’s freely giving cryptocurrency. You’re requested to ship them at the least 0.1 bitcoin. They then promise you the double quantity. On this instance, it’s 0.2 btc. Though Twitch personnel shut down the printed shortly, the fakers’ website continues to be on-line [redacted]. We hope you’ll take motion to cease them.
Screenshot of fraudulent Medium web page purporting from Elon Musk.
“I invested $1,000”
On October 1, 2021 I made a $1,000 funding and obtained 424,201 tokens. Token holders have been entitled to get NFTs after every calendar quarter. Quite a few makes an attempt to get NFT distribution info from the corporate failed after tokens weren’t obtained on January 1, 2022 or later. None of those responses have been obtained as but. Within the meantime, Twitter and Fb posts encouraging buyers to purchase Tesla Tokens have been posted. These tweets point out that new buyers will get NFTs each quarter. This report is meant to alert others of a possible fraudulent scheme.
“I believed was an precise pre-sale of a brand new Tesla token”
A token pre-sale had been launched for Tesla. However I didn’t permit myself sufficient time to do my analysis on them earlier than investing into what I believed was an precise pre-sale of a brand new Tesla token. Elon launched a model new token. Nonetheless, I didn’t buy the authentic one. Their web site was [redacted]
“44,000 for $800 value of Ethereum”
My mistake, I believed I used to be shopping for Tesla Token in a presale. For $800, 44,000 Ethereum tokens. Web site had since shut down. Web site was as follows [redacted]
“Stated it was an $800 minimal funding”
The advert I noticed for Tesla Token was on Fb. So, I went there. It had Elon Musk’s title and data throughout it and mentioned it was an $800 minimal funding. I created a MEW account and transferred the Ethereum funds. I’m not skilled in cryptocurrency however see it’s gaining reputation so figured I’d give it a strive. After I inquired about buying and selling, they replied to me by e-mail on February 7, 222. After three days, I attempted to achieve them once more for details about buying and selling. They by no means returned my name. That’s when the web site disappeared. It received’t let me add the web site tackle within the web site field above because it says it’s within the fallacious format, however that is the one tackle I’ve for his or her web site that used to point out my funding.
“They acquired my driver’s license footage and crypto pockets tackle.”
Yep, noticed the information that Elon Musk was promoting Tesla cash on Fb and clicked the hyperlink. After which I’ve came upon it’s a rip-off web site. They acquired my driver’s license footage and crypto pockets tackle.
“THEN I TRIED TO STOP THE PROCESS BUT IT WAS TO LATE”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is my follower as a Tesla worker. The account Elon Musk despatched me a tweet notification. [redacted]A Tesla Bitcoin Promotion. Following the hyperlink, I used to be intrigued to participate! My authenticating machine, which was positioned in San Francisco, turned out to be my Fremont tackle! Two gadgets tried to confirm my credentials. THEN, I attempted to cease the method but it surely was too late. My Coinbase pockets had obtained 0.7 bitcoin!
