A woman has fallen victim to a shocking $60,000 online romance scam after being tricked into believing she was in a relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The elaborate scheme, run through a fake social media account, promised not only love but also the gift of a free Tesla — and the illusion of a shared future with the billionaire.
A Carefully Crafted Illusion
According to investigators, the scam began when the victim, whose name has been withheld for privacy reasons, was contacted by a profile that appeared to belong to Musk. The account was complete with verified-looking photos, updates about SpaceX and Tesla, and even fake “exclusive” posts claiming to be written directly by the tech mogul.
The imposter reportedly gained the woman’s trust by engaging in long, late-night conversations, weaving together stories of loneliness, philanthropy, and an interest in starting a life with her.
“He told her she was ‘special,’ that he wanted to share his wealth with her, and that together they could build a future,” a police spokesperson said.
The Financial Trap
Over the course of several months, the scammer convinced the woman to send money for various “fees” — including supposed shipping costs for a Tesla vehicle he claimed was being gifted to her, and contributions toward a “joint investment fund” that would secure their future.
By the time her family intervened, the victim had lost nearly $60,000 in savings.
“She truly believed she was in a relationship with Elon Musk,” the spokesperson added. “The scammers preyed on her emotions and her trust.”
A Growing Trend of Celebrity Impersonation
Experts warn that romance scams involving celebrity impersonations are on the rise. Criminals often pose as public figures on social media platforms, luring victims into emotional — and eventually financial — entanglements.
“Celebrities like Elon Musk are particularly attractive targets for scammers because their global fame makes the impersonations seem more believable,” said cybersecurity analyst Rachel Owens. “But the reality is that no high-profile billionaire is privately messaging strangers to promise free cars or romantic commitments.”
Authorities Speak Out
Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant. They stress that official accounts for figures like Musk are clearly verified and that any personal messages requesting money should be treated with suspicion.
“This case is heartbreaking, but it should serve as a warning,” Owens noted. “If something feels too good to be true — especially a billionaire offering you love and luxury — it probably is.”
Victim Support and Lessons Learned
The woman is now working with victim support groups and fraud specialists to recover from the emotional and financial toll of the scam. Authorities say it is unlikely she will regain the stolen money, but her case is being used in public-awareness campaigns to prevent others from falling prey.
“I just wanted to believe it was real,” she reportedly told investigators. “He made me feel seen, and I thought I had finally found someone who cared.”
Protecting Yourself From Online Romance Scams
Experts recommend several steps to avoid falling victim:
- Verify profiles carefully — official accounts of celebrities and public figures are typically marked with verification badges.
- Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
- Be wary of grand promises of love, gifts, or investments from online acquaintances.
- Report suspicious accounts to the platform and local authorities immediately.
At its core, this case is not just about money — it is about the deep human desire for connection, and how dangerous it can be when that longing is exploited by those with bad intentions.
