Elon Musk impersonator accused of stealing up to $600K from woman using Facebook, Bradenton police say

BRADENTON, Fla. - A man pretending to be billionaire Elon Musk on Facebook is facing charges, accused of stealing as much as $600,000 from a woman he befriended on the social network, the Bradenton Police Department said.

"She really thought she was friends with him, and she’d communicate with him on a daily basis with him," said Detective Jim Curulla of the Bradenton Police Department’s Elder Fraud Unit.

According to BPD's Elder Fraud Unit, Jeffrey Moynihan, Jr., 56, posed as Musk and exchanged messages with the 74-year-old victim in Texas for several months, beginning in 2023.

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Moynihan promised a $55 million return if the victim invested in Musk's business ventures, police said.

Mugshot of Jeffrey Moynihan, Jr., courtesy of the Manatee County Jail.

Financial records obtained by police show the victim transferred $250,000 to accounts she thought belonged to Musk, but are actually owned by Moynihan and his business, Jeff’s Painting and Pressure Washing, LLC.

"What and who you see is not who is typing back to you. I think these people, you have to realize that, but even more so, you can’t give money. You can’t start going into a business dealing with someone over the internet," said Curulla.

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The victim's husband told investigators that Moynihan stole a total of $600,000.

"Mr. Monihyan said his girlfriend is the mastermind behind it, and he had no involvement," said Curulla.

As BPD continues its investigation, the neighbors of Moynihan remain in disbelief.

"I just can’t believe it. It blows me away. It’s shocking. It’s surprising because he’s really a hard worker," said Charles Green.

Bodycam video shows police arresting Moynihan at his Bradenton home Tuesday night on grand theft charges.

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