Florida man arrested for impersonating Elon Musk in $250,000 scam targeting elderly woman

Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan Jr., a Florida resident, has been arrested for allegedly impersonating tech billionaire Elon Musk to defraud a 74-year-old Texas woman of $250,000. The arrest, carried out on November 19, 2024, followed a months-long police investigation that traced the fraudulent transactions to Moynihan’s accounts.

Investigators revealed that Moynihan began contacting the victim in 2023 via Facebook, pretending to be Musk. He leveraged real news stories about the entrepreneur to appear authentic, often discussing Musk’s public activities to build rapport. “The victim believed she was communicating with Elon Musk,” authorities stated. Over time, Moynihan convinced her to make multiple investments in his “businesses,” which ultimately funneled funds into his personal accounts and those of his business, Jeff’s Painting and Pressure Washing LLC.

Following his arrest in Bradenton, Florida, Moynihan denied any involvement in the scam despite evidence linking him to the transactions. “The victim felt like Elon really was her friend,” police shared, highlighting the emotional manipulation used to exploit the elderly woman’s trust. The victim reportedly expressed feelings of betrayal upon learning the truth, showcasing the personal toll such schemes can inflict.

This case highlights the growing prevalence of online scams targeting vulnerable individuals, especially seniors. Authorities warn against trusting unsolicited communications and emphasize the need for vigilance in financial transactions.

Moynihan has been charged with grand theft and faces significant legal repercussions as the case proceeds. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication of digital scams and the importance of skepticism in online interactions. As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the need for greater awareness of cyber fraud and its devastating impact.