Florida Man Sentenced After Posing as Elon Musk and Scamming Texas Woman Out of $600,000
A Florida man who impersonated billionaire Elon Musk and swindled a 74-year-old Texas woman out of nearly $600,000 has been sentenced to jail and decades of probation, authorities said.
Jeffrey Moynihan pleaded no contest to multiple charges and was sentenced to one year in jail followed by almost 30 years of probation. Investigators said Moynihan posed as Musk on Facebook, where he built an online friendship with the woman over several months.
Prosecutors said the scheme involved promises of a $56 million return on her investment, which never existed. Moynihan convinced the woman to transfer large sums of money through repeated online communications and false assurances.
Officials said the case highlights the growing threat of online scams targeting older adults, particularly those who may be socially isolated.
Bradenton Police emphasized that these types of crimes are becoming increasingly common, prompting the department to establish a dedicated Elder Fraud Unit to investigate and respond to such cases. Authorities continue to urge residents to be cautious of unsolicited online contacts and investment offers that seem too good to be true.
