Reddit User Warns of Elon Musk Impersonation Scam
A Reddit user reports that their father, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, has been messaging with a fake 'Elon Musk' on Signal and buying bitcoin from the scammer. The father also fell for a fake publisher scheme, losing thousands of dollars and withdrawing his retirement.
What the original post says“Background info: My dad was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in January. His Oncologist had him stop taking his Lithium because it negatively interacts with the chemo. Problem is he needs it for his Bipolar disorder. I noticed a change in his behavior back in March and asked if he was taking his meds, my mom said he was but it was actually only the Zyprexa, also a bipolar disorder medication. He’s been taking both for nearly 20 years, the doctors did not increase the Zyprexa dos…”
A Reddit user has shared a distressing account of their father falling victim to multiple scams, including an impersonation of Elon Musk. According to the post, the father, who has bipolar disorder and was taken off medication due to chemotherapy, began messaging with a person claiming to be Elon Musk on the Signal app. The scammer allegedly convinced the father to buy bitcoin from 'Elon's' supposed bitcoin mines. The user describes how the father spent $1,000 and then was told he needed to pay $3,000 to withdraw $500, a classic sign of a fraudulent investment scheme. The father also claimed to have purchased '22,000 bitcoins' for $14, which is clearly unrealistic and indicates a misunderstanding or scam.
Additionally, the father fell for a fake publisher scam, paying about $4,000 for a book they claimed to be selling on Amazon. The user reports that the father quit his job of 15 years and withdrew his retirement, incurring massive penalties, and is likely to lose all money quickly.
This case highlights the dangers of impersonation scams, especially when targeting vulnerable individuals. Scammers often use fake endorsements from celebrities like Elon Musk to lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes. Red flags include unsolicited messages from supposed celebrities, requests for upfront fees to withdraw funds, and promises of unrealistic returns.
For traders and the public, it's essential to verify the identity of anyone offering investment opportunities. Legitimate platforms never require additional payments to release funds. If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Always consult with a financial advisor or trusted family member before making significant financial decisions.
The Reddit user is seeking advice on how to protect their father, who is in a manic episode and refuses to listen to family. While the authorities may not intervene unless the person is a danger to themselves or others, families can try to restrict access to funds and educate loved ones about common scams.
This report serves as a warning about the prevalence of impersonation scams in the cryptocurrency space. Always be cautious when contacted by anyone claiming to be a public figure, and never send money to unknown parties. If you or someone you know may be a victim of such a scam, report it to local authorities and the relevant financial regulators.
This report summarises a third-party post; all allegations are attributed to the original source and are not independently verified by FXCanary. It is not a statement of fact or a legal judgment. Firms may request a correction.