The Tesla Investments Scam – Don’t Become the Next Victim

Photo of author

Written by: Thomas Orsolya

Published on:

A dangerous cryptocurrency investment scam has emerged recently targeting social media users and inbox owners across Europe, Canada, Australia and beyond. The fraudsters behind this scam are aggressively promoting a fake platform called Tesla Investments using Elon Musk’s name and image without consent. This article will uncover how this scam works, tactics it uses to deceive, and most importantly, how to spot and avoid becoming another victim.

Teslacoin

Overview of the Tesla Investments Scam

The Tesla Investments scam falsely claims to be a highly profitable AI-powered cryptocurrency platform created by Elon Musk. Scammers promote it via Facebook ads and emails redirecting to fake news pages endorsing the fictitious opportunity. After entering their information, victims are contacted by bots posing as Tesla Investment representatives using manipulative sales tactics to convince victims to deposit funds supposedly to activate trading accounts.

In reality, there is no real Tesla Investments platform, crypto asset, or investment accounts. The criminals behind this scam simply pocket any money sent by victims. The Elon Musk endorsements and materials promoting Tesla Investments are completely fabricated.

How the Tesla Investments Scam Works

The Tesla Investments scam claims to be a highly profitable cryptocurrency created by Elon Musk for Tesla. Scammers promote it by placing Facebook ads and sending emails redirecting to convincing but fake news articles endorsing Tesla Investments.

After entering their information, victims are contacted by bots posing as Tesla Investments representatives. Using manipulative sales tactics, these bots convince victims to deposit at least $250, supposedly to activate trading accounts with massive earning potential.

In reality, there is no real Tesla Investments platform or cryptocurrency. The criminals behind the scam simply steal any funds deposited by victims.

Here is an outline of how this scam operates to defraud victims:

  1. Scammers pay for Facebook ads and send emails directing to fake news articles promoting Tesla Investments as a lucrative new Elon Musk crypto investment opportunity.
  2. Victims visit the fraudulent pages and input their personal information into webforms to register interest.
  3. Bots then contact the victims via email or messaging, posing as Tesla Investment representatives.
  4. These bots engage in friendly conversations to gain the victims’ trust.
  5. Eventually, the bots provide payment links urging victims to transfer funds, supposedly to activate their account and earn the huge promised returns.
  6. Any money sent is stolen by the scammers, as there is no real investment platform or accounts.
  7. Soon after funds are collected, the bots cease communication, and victims cannot withdraw their non-existent earnings.

This simple but effective process allows the scammers to repeatedly target victims interested in lucrative crypto investments and quickly steal their money.

Avoiding the Tesla Investments Scam

Despite the scam’s initial credibility, several red flags can help identify it:

  • Too good to be true – Unrealistic guaranteed profits are a clear warning sign.
  • High-pressure tactics – Scammers create false urgency and push for quick payment.
  • Requests for upfront payment – Legitimate platforms never require an upfront fee just to open an account.
  • Unsolicited contacts – Real investment firms won’t cold contact you demanding immediate action.
  • Grammatical/spelling errors – Communications often contain obvious mistakes.
  • No verified registration – Tesla Investments lacks any valid business registration or trading license.
  • No announcement from Tesla – Tesla has never announced plans to launch a cryptocurrency.

Critical thinking reveals this “opportunity” is clearly a scam.

What to Do if You Lost Money in the Scam

If you have fallen victim to this scam, you should take immediate action to protect yourself and your money. Here are some steps that you can take:

  • Contact your bank immediately – Alert your bank to disputed charges and consider canceling your card to prevent further fraudulent purchases.
  • Keep records – Save receipts, emails, screenshots, and any details related to the transaction. This provides proof of the scam.
  • File a complaint – Report the fraud to the FTC and Internet Crime Complaint Center. Provide any relevant records.
  • Leave online reviews – Post details of the scam on consumer review sites to warn others. However, don’t defame legitimate businesses.
  • Report social media accounts – If the scam involved social media, report the accounts to get them removed.
  • Reverse payments – If you paid with a credit card, request a chargeback. For wire transfers, contact the recipient bank to possibly reverse it.
  • Check credit reports – Request credit reports to check for any accounts opened fraudulently using your information. Consider placing a credit freeze if needed.
  • Reset account passwords – Change passwords on any online accounts that used the same login credentials entered on the scam site.
  • Check your device for viruses – Run a Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free scan to check for any malware that may have infected your device through the site.
  • Learn from the situation – Study how you were deceived so you can avoid other scams in the future.

Being vigilant against shopping scams and acting quickly when scammed can help limit financial and identity theft impact. Report it to help authorities investigate and shutdown scam sites that are still active.

Conclusion

The Tesla Investments scam demonstrates how easily scammers can now execute cryptocurrency fraud by impersonating brands like Tesla and fabricating false endorsements. As such elaborate cons proliferate, we must stay alert and think critically before engaging with any unsolicited investment opportunity online. Never send money or personal information to strangers who contact you first. Spotting obvious warning signs can help avoid compelling but fraudulent scams leveraging platforms like Facebook and email to lure their victims.

FAQ About the Tesla Investments Scam

Is Tesla Investments a real cryptocurrency created by Tesla/Elon Musk?

No, Tesla Investments is completely fake. It has no association with Tesla or Elon Musk in any way.

Can I really earn $600+ daily in profits from Tesla Investments?

No, there are no actual profits to be earned. Any claims of guaranteed returns are false promises from scammers aimed to defraud victims.

Why do the bots contacting me seem so friendly and helpful at first?

The bots build trust through friendly conversation so victims feel comfortable providing payment details when asked later. It’s a manipulation tactic.

Are the news articles and ads endorsing Tesla Investments real?

No, any articles or ads promoting Tesla Investments are fabricated by the scammers to lend credibility to the fake opportunity.

Why can’t I withdraw funds after investing in Tesla Investments?

Because there is no real platform, any money you send goes straight into the scammers’ pockets. The investment is 100% fiction.

How can I recover money lost in the Tesla Investments scam?

Unfortunately, recovery of funds is very unlikely since the scammers are anonymous. Reporting the scam promptly can potentially limit damage.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

Previous

Uncover the “Sainsbury Gift Card PayPal” Scam Email

Next

Beware Of United Airlines MileagePlus Scam Emails