Pennridge police warn of “Elon Musk” Tesla gift card scam targeting local resident
Resident realized fraud after scammers requested second Apple gift card payment for fake vehicle delivery fees
Pennridge Regional Police Department are warning residents about an apparent impersonation scam after a local resident was targeted by someone claiming to be billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
According to the department’s May 3 through May 9 police blotter, officers were contacted by a resident of The Community at Rockhill regarding suspicious text messages from an unknown individual claiming to be Musk.
Police said the messages informed the resident they had supposedly been selected to receive a free Tesla vehicle. However, before the vehicle could allegedly be delivered, the resident was instructed to pay “service fees” using Apple gift cards.
Investigators said the resident eventually provided scammers with the redemption code from one Apple gift card before becoming suspicious when the unknown texter attempted to solicit a second gift card payment.
Police said the resident then recognized the interaction as a scam.
Gift card scams remain one of the most common fraud tactics used by scammers, with criminals frequently impersonating celebrities, government agencies, utility companies or businesses to pressure victims into quickly purchasing prepaid gift cards and sending redemption codes electronically.
Law enforcement agencies routinely advise residents that legitimate companies and public figures do not request payments through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency in exchange for prizes, services or deliveries.
Anyone receiving suspicious unsolicited messages requesting payment information or gift card codes is encouraged to stop communication immediately and contact local police.
