“Elon Musk” impersonator arrested for scamming elderly woman

November 21, 2024

Case #:2024-007443

The Bradenton Police Department Elder Fraud Unit arrested “Elon Musk” on Tuesday, November 19, for grand theft.   

Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan, Jr., 56, a Bradenton resident and business owner, is accused of defrauding an elderly Texas woman out of $250,000 - although the actual sum could be much higher.   

In 2023, the 74-year-old victim befriended “Elon Musk” on Facebook. They exchanged messages for several months, and the victim was encouraged to invest in Musk’s businesses. She was promised a $55 million return. 

Financial records indicate the victim transferred $250,000 to bank accounts owned by Moynihan and his business, Jeff’s Painting and Pressure Washing, LLC. The victim’s husband told investigators his wife gave "Elon Musk" approximately $600,000. 

Moynihan was arrested at his home in Bradenton Tuesday night. The real Elon Musk was otherwise engaged with the most recent launch of SpaceX and is not under investigation by BPD. The investigation continues.   

So far this year, the BPD’s Elder Fraud Unit has investigated fraud cases involving victims over age 60, totaling nearly $3 million in losses. 

Information about the Elder Fraud Unit and resources to protect yourself and loved ones from scams is at bradentonpd.com/elder-fraud-unit. 

Jeffrey Moynihan, Jr.