SMS Scam Uses Elon Musk’s Name to Sell Fake Energy Devices to US Users

Fake Elon Musk endorsements are used in SMS campaigns to sell bogus energy-saving devices. Learn how to spot these scams and protect yourself from fraudulent text messages, as revealed by Bitdefender’s research.

A recent wave of malicious text messages has been targeting individuals in the United States, promising reductions in electricity bills through a so-called innovative device. Bitdefender security researchers have exposed a scam that uses Elon Musk‘s name to make its fake claims seem more believable.

According to Bitdefender’s report, which was shared with Hackread.com ahead of its publication on Tuesday, the scam exploits a common consumer desire to lower monthly expenses. To make it a success, scammers are sending out SMS messages designed to lure recipients into clicking on links that lead to malicious websites.

These messages often begin with the recipient’s name, a tactic made possible by the use of personal information acquired from previous data breaches. This personalized approach increases the chances that individuals will trust the message.

The text messages contain promises of substantial savings on electricity bills. Some examples include claims that neighbours are saving up to 79% on their energy costs. Some even go so far as to use full names. The messages direct users to websites that mimic news articles, featuring fabricated endorsements from Musk. Here’s an example of such websites shared by Bitdefender.

(Source: Bit Defender)

These articles promote a small device, falsely claiming it was invented by Musk that supposedly reduces electricity consumption. The fabricated articles employ convincing language, including fake quotes, testimonials, and technical verbiage, to create an illusion of legitimacy. One example includes a quote wrongly attributed to Elon Musk, claiming that power companies are deceiving consumers and that the device can reduce electricity bills by 90%.

“The big power companies are scamming you. Yes, that’s right. Believe it or not, they have been using a secret to cheat you every time you run your lights, dishwasher, blender, vacuum and anything else that draws power. This is why your power bill is so expensive every month and keeps rising with some US residents paying as much as $500 a month in electric bills. Every American can slash their electricity bill by 90% using this revolutionary technology. You’re welcome, America,” the fake quote read.

The articles also include fabricated images of “real” electricity bills to further convince potential victims.

Fake Promises by the Scammers (Source: Bitdefender)

The primary objective of these articles is to persuade readers to click on embedded links, which leads to websites selling fake devices. These websites offer the device for prices ranging from $44 for a single unit to $105 for a three-pack. The devices themselves are of low quality and can be purchased from online marketplaces for a fraction of the price.

Product available for much lower price (Source: Bitdefender)

Bitdefender’s research shows that these SMS campaigns began in January, with thousands of messages sent and multiple domains still active. The company warns that these domains are likely to be reused in future campaigns and advises individuals to be wary of unsolicited text messages promising energy savings.

Researchers recommend verifying any claims of energy discounts directly with their energy provider and reporting suspicious messages to their phone carrier and local authorities. Also, consider domains like esavrrcom, gimelovecom, and eaeloncom red flags.