Elon Musk Impersonator Scams Businesswoman Out of House and Loans

A Florida man has been arrested for allegedly impersonating tech billionaire Elon Musk and scamming a businesswoman out of her house and loans to 'efuel his jet.' The victim, a 45-year-old woman from Frisco, Texas, was befriended by the imposter on Facebook last year and eventually convinced to invest in a supposed cryptocurrency venture backed by Musk.

The scammer, identified as Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan Jr., 56, of Bradenton, Florida, allegedly posed as Musk and promised the woman a $55 million return on her investment. Over several months, the victim sent Moynihan a total of $600,000, including the proceeds from selling her house and taking out loans. The scammer claimed that the money was needed to refuel his private jet.

Moynihan was arrested on November 19, 2024, and charged with grand theft. According to the Bradenton Police Department, the victim's husband eventually became suspicious and reported the scam to local authorities. The investigation led police to Moynihan and his business, Jeff's Painting and Pressure Washing, LLC.



The Elon Musk impersonator scam is just one example of the many ways criminals exploit the public's fascination with high-profile figures to perpetrate their schemes. As the story of the businesswoman from Frisco, Texas, demonstrates, these scams can have devastating consequences for their victims. To protect themselves, individuals should be cautious of unsolicited offers, verify the source of communications, and avoid acting on emotion when presented with investment opportunities.

In the case of Elon Musk, the tech CEO has been a popular target for scammers due to his high profile and vocal support for cryptocurrency. However, it is essential to remember that Musk would not personally contact individuals to offer investment opportunities, and any such claims should be treated with skepticism. By staying informed and maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.