A new scam promising free gold bars from Elon Musk has been making the rounds on social media. Using deceptive videos and websites, scammers are tricking people into signing up for subscription services under the pretense of getting free gold bars worth thousands of dollars.
This article will break down exactly how the scam works, provide tips on avoiding falling victim, and explain what to do if you gave away your personal information.
Overview of the Scam
The Elon Musk gold bar giveaway scam is making rounds across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter attempts to trick users into signing up for expensive monthly subscription services. The scam lures victims in by using doctored videos depicting famous tech billionaire Elon Musk announcing a giveaway for free gold bars worth over $2,100.
These convincing deepfake videos appear to show Musk stating that he “wants to lend a helping hand” by providing thousands of dollars in gold bars to random people who enter the online giveaway. The videos, which seem authentic at first glance, direct viewers to external websites that request personal information to claim the non-existent prizes.
In reality, by inputting their data into landing pages hosted at domains like prizequestcentral.com and moderntabletopgamingblog.com, victims are subscribing themselves to recurring plans totally unrelated to any Elon Musk sweepstakes or gold bar giveaway. The monthly charges for these misleading services can exceed $180 per billing cycle.
This scam preys upon people’s familiarity with celebrity contests and general interest in cryptocurrencies. Seeing an enthusiastic video of the famous entrepreneur Elon Musk offering free gold triggers an immense response in targets. Out of anticipation of receiving real precious metal assets literally worth thousands of dollars, people eagerly provide their information without deeper consideration of why Elon Musk would ever just give away precious metal assets to random social media users.
The deceptive videos utilize convincingly real AI-generated deepfakes of Musk combined with flashy overlays implying affiliation with legitimate brands. This further pressures viewers to click through links promoting supposed “giveaway entry portals” out of fear of missing out on a hugely valuable but limited opportunity.
In their haste, victims overlook the scam red flags, instead focusing solely on the potential payoff. But remember—no matter how convincing a random social media video may seem, if an offer looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Apply critical thinking before supplying personal data. Elon Musk has no affiliation with these videos or the shady websites they direct to. The bizarre promise of free gold bars does not checkout.
By understanding the tactics scammers use to exploit people’s tendencies to trust celebrity promotions and seek big returns, you can avoid falling victim to even compelling social engineering scams making the rounds. Be wary of any viral giveaways involving famous billionaires or hot assets like gold—they rarely deliver what they promise.
How the Scam Works
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the Elon Musk gold bar giveaway scam operates at each stage:
1. Scam Video Posted on Social Media
The first component of the scam is AI-generated “deepfake” videos posted to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The videos appear to show the real Elon Musk stating the following:
“Elon’s $2100 Gold Bar Giveaway Is Here! I am in such a positive place right now and I want to lend a helping hand, so I’m giving away FREE Gold Bars worth over $2100!”
Of course, Elon Musk did not actually state this or partner with any giveaway company. The videos are carefully manipulated to show Musk making these claims.
The deepfake videos also include text overlays and animated graphics reflecting the giveaway’s supposed sponsors. This lends the video legitimacy in targets’ minds.
2. Users Click Video Link Promising Free Gold
When social media users see these videos auto-play in their feeds, the promise of receiving real, physical gold bars simply for sharing some basic personal information is extremely enticing.
The video descriptions include links to the external websites that ostensibly house the giveaway entry portal. Intrigued users will click these links believing it will allow them to claim their free gold.
3. External Sites Make False Promises
The links bring users to one of a network of scam giveaway websites like prizequestcentral.com or moderntabletopgamingblog.com.
At first glance, these sites look like legitimate giveaway portals. There are sections describing the prizes, sponsors, rules, and how to enter. But looks can be deceiving.
Buried in tiny print are subscription terms and conditions totally unrelated to any Elon Musk sponsored gold bar giveaway.
4. Visitors Asked to Share Personal Information
To finalize entry into the supposed $2,100 gold bar giveaway drawing, users have to share personal details like:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Home address
They must also check a box consenting to the contest’s terms and conditions—which, again, actually lock consumers into expensive monthly subscription plans.
5. Credit Cards Automatically Charged for Monthly Plans
After sharing information and agreeing to the terms, victims believe they have successfully entered to win free gold bars from their favorite billionaire tech icon.
In reality, they have just signed up to be charged monthly for subscription vitamin plans, skin cream programs, psychic readings, or other services they don’t need.
Initial charges can be as high as $180, recurred every month until explicitly cancelled. The websites make cancellation very difficult.
Meanwhile, users receive no gold bars and hear no updates on the fake “contest” they entered. But their credit cards continue getting billed month after month.
This is how scammers leverage people’s trust of a celebrity like Elon Musk to profit from recurring monthly subscription fees that would otherwise seem questionable at best.
How to Spot This Scam on Social Media
With this Elon Musk gold bar giveaway scam making rounds across various platforms, it’s important to be able to recognize the red flags, especially on the three most used networks—Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Spotting the Scam on Facebook
When scrolling through your Facebook feed, be wary of:
- Suspicious videos using enticing slogans like “Free Gold Bars,” “Elon Musk Gold Bars Giveaway,” or “Limited Time” in the caption overlays. These try pressuring viewers to act fast out of anticipated scarcity.
- Videos seeming to show Elon Musk enthusiastically announcing massive gold bar giveaways. The visuals appear authentic but are AI-generated deepfakes.
- Posts from pages you don’t follow promising extravagant free prizes or cryptocurrencies in exchange for basic personal information.
- Links in posts and bios directing to external domains outside Facebook, often involving words like “prize,” “quest,” “draw,” “sweepstakes,” or “giving away.” Sites may visually resemble legitimate giveaway portals but hide costly subscription fees in the fine print.
- Pixelated images crudely Photoshopped to show giant gold bars or coin piles next to promotion details. These attempt adding legitimacy through false visuals.
Spotting the Scam on Instagram
Watch for these telltale signs of the Elon Musk gold bar scam on Instagram:
- Paid posts with titles like “Elon Musk Wants To Give You Free Gold” using attention-grabbing captions claiming you can win thousands in precious metals.
- Deepfake videos of Elon Musk shifted to black-and-white coloration, overlayed with graphics falsely depicting affiliation with trustworthy broadcast networks. This tries conveying credibility.
- Accounts offering precious metals, jewels, or cryptocurrency giveaways in exchange for likes, follows, subscriptions, or clicking article links containing costly monthly subscription terms.
- External links in bios not affiliated with Instagram leading to shady domains outside the platform beginning processes seemingly offering prizes worth far more than you’d reasonably expect in exchange for minor engagement.
Spotting the Scam on TikTok
Finally, be doubtful of these types of videos circulating TikTok:
- AI-generated deepfakes of Elon Musk potentially standing in front of green screens, edited to show stock footage of gold mines, vaults, or cryptocurrency symbols in attempts to legitimize promised rewards.
- Dueted scam awarenesses videos where the awareness part gets cut off, directing solely to the deceptive promotional content clipped from the original full video.
- Jump cuts splicing authentic old interviews to make it falsely appear figures are addressing viewers directly, promising prize packages in exchange for a series of engagement metrics.
The common thread on all major platforms involves unbelievable giveaways falsely tied to Elon Musk in exchange for engagement, clicks, follows, subscriptions, or entering personal information. Verify legitimacy before participating.
How to Identify the Scam Websites
In addition to the deceptive social media posts directing victims to the fraudulent Elon Musk gold bar giveaway websites, the landing pages themselves also display many red flags upon closer inspection.
When evaluating if an apparent contest website offering prizes in exchange for your personal information is legitimate, watch for:
Manipulative Images and Branding
- Photos of Elon Musk surrounded by gold bars and stacks of hundred dollar bills which imply grand prizes
- Logos like the Tesla emblem, SpaceX rockets, The New York Times, and CNN illegitimately used to convey credibility
- Animations showing spaceships, mining carts, and gold vault doors opening to subconsciously promote the narrative of users gaining wealthy if they participate
Sketchy Terms and Conditions
- Checkboxes linked to terms and conditions that don’t actually work, don’t pull up any policy when clicked, or only lead to unrelated pages
- Small, hidden text encrypted in lengthy terms templates enrolling users in expensive monthly subscription plans billed for wellness products, psychic readings, or other services they never asked for
Statements like:
“Our monthly auto-ship program will bill you $179.84 recurring every 30 days upon conclusion of the 10-day trial period. You consent to these terms by placing your order for the free trial product.”
Technical Red Flags
- Brand new domain registration dates within the past month from shady registrars known for cheap anonymous purchases
- Domain contact details routing through privacy protection services to mask the true website owners
- HTTP sites instead of secure HTTPS encryption
- Poor privacy and data handling policies found in the code by scanning GitHub repositories
Checking for these signs helps determine if websites really offer legitimate contests or actually operate as fronts to harvest data and lock consumers into costly monthly recurring plans through manipulation and deception. Scrutinize both content claims and technical properties before handing personal details over in any online promotion involving excessive prizes, cryptocurrencies, or Elon Musk.
What to Do if You Fell Victim to the Scam
If you entered your personal information into one of these Elon Musk gold bar giveaway scams, here are important next steps to take right away:
Cancel Any Recurring Charges
Call your credit card company or bank and explain you were scammed into signing up for a recurring monthly subscription under false pretenses. Request to have all associated charges reversed and cancelled immediately.
Place Fraud Alert on Credit Reports
Since scammers have your personal information, also place an initial 90-day fraud alert on your credit file with Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. This requires creditors to verify your identity when opening new accounts.
You can renew the fraud alert after 90 days if needed. Also consider freezing your credit reports entirely until this scam investigation is resolved.
Change Online Account Passwords
Scammers may attempt to access your other online accounts using passwords cracked with personal details you entered. Change the passwords on all financial, email, social media, and other accounts immediately.
Scan Devices for Spyware
If you entered personal information directly into the scam websites, your devices may now be infected with malware or spyware. Run full system scans to check for viruses or keylogging software designed to steal data.
Report Scam Websites to Authorities
Lookup website ICANN information via WHOIS records to identify the domain registrar. File abuse reports about phishing, fraud, and privacy violations with the registrar and web host. Also file an online scam complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Warn Social Media Connections
Reply to scam posts warning friends not to enter their information. Report the fraudulent videos and accounts to social networks. Spreading awareness helps prevent further victims.
Staying vigilant following this scam can mitigate dangers of identity theft and recurring financial losses. Place fraud alerts, change passwords, check for malware, report websites, and alert social networks to stop ongoing harm. Consider pursuing legal action if costs incurred are substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Elon Musk Gold Bar Giveaway Scam
Connorning the “Elon Musk Wants to Give You Free Gold Bars” scam circulating in paid posts and deepfake videos on social media, many people have questions. This FAQ answers some of the most frequently asked questions for consumers to evaluate the scam’s legitimacy and protect themselves.
Is Elon Musk really giving away free gold bars?
No. This supposed “contest” is a complete scam. Elon Musk is in no way affiliated with these deceptive social media videos or fake giveaway websites. There is no gold bar giveaway. Any posts stating otherwise using Elon Musk’s image or companies are fraudulent.
Can the deepfake videos be real?
No, the videos are AI-manipulated fakes known as “deepfakes.” While they look authentic on first glance, the videos utilize advanced technology to superimpose Elon Musk’s image saying things he never actually said. Any videos claiming Elon Musk wants to send you free gold bars are doctored.
What’s the purpose behind this gold bar scam?
These scams aim to exploit people’s trust of influential figures like Elon Musk to trick them into handing over personal information and money. The fake giveaway websites get users to input data under the false pretences of contest eligibility. In reality, this data is used to enroll victims in costly monthly subscription plans they didn’t agree to.
Am I really entering to win gold bars through these sites?
No. The external websites you’re directed to steal your information under the disguise of giveaway entry portals. In truth, there are no prizes to win. By inputting your data, you’re signing up for recurring credit card charges totally unrelated to any Elon Musk sponsorship, free gifts, sweepstakes, or gold bars.
What happens after I enter my information into the scam sites?
After you input sensitive details like your name, DOB, address, email address, and phone number, you’ll be enrolled in expensive monthly subscription plans. You’ll immediately be charged up to $180, recurring every month until you meticulously cancel each deceptive vendor. You receive no prizes, just recurring credit card fees for products or services you never asked for.
How can I tell real versus fake social media posts and websites?
Authentic accounts post consistently over longer periods. Scam accounts have limited content history focused solely on pushing cons. Legitimate websites list full contact details, have secure HTTPS encryption, clearly display terms, offer customer service channels, and don’t downplay subscription costs buried in fine print.
When something seems fake, too good to be true, or asks for sensitive data right away “as-is” without proper explanation, scrutiny, or eligibility checking beyond an email address—it likely is.
Carefully evaluating social media posts and external websites directed to from videos can determine whether offers are legitimate contests or scams hoping victims overlook manipulation tactics in the frenzy. Analyze all factors before entering personal details anywhere.
The Bottom Line
Seeing a deepfake video of a famous billionaire like Elon Musk offering free gold bars triggers an immense response. People want to believe they may randomly be selected to receive $2,100 in real precious metal simply for sharing basic details.
But online scammers exploit this desire for sudden wealth. As detailed above, entering information into the fake Elon Musk gold bar giveaway websites only results in getting charged expensive recurring subscription fees each month.
When faced with too-good-to-be-true offers online involving celebrities or cryptocurrencies, apply critical thinking. Ask why Elon Musk would randomly send you gold bars worth thousands based on nothing. If things don’t quite add up, don’t click links or enter personal data until you have done more digging.
By becoming an informed social media user and questioning unbelievable viral posts, you can avoid falling victim to even compelling scams involving deepfake videos and promises of free money. Remember, eligibility verification would be strict for any legitimate giveaway. So don’t hand your sensitive details to any sketchy website right away without proper vetting first.
Stay safe online and use caution before sharing anything with supposed contests, especially those promising highly valuable prizes just for entering basic personal information.
