Elon Musk, the visionary behind groundbreaking companies like Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and X.AI, as well as the rebrander of Twitter to X, is often associated with cutting-edge innovation. However, his high-profile status also makes him an attractive target for scammers.
Previously, fraudsters have exploited Musk’s name in various cryptocurrency scams. The latest wave of deception involves the promotion of fraudulent “energy-saving” devices that falsely claim to be associated with Musk to gain credibility. These devices, which fail to deliver on their promises, are marketed as revolutionary solutions, tricking consumers into spending money on what is essentially a scam.
Recently, we received an inquiry from Rick, a concerned resident of Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He wrote:
“I’ve been receiving emails offering an energy-saving device developed by Elon Musk. It claims the device can reduce energy bills by 50%. I never attempted to contact anyone associated with Elon Musk, nor have I done any internet searches for such a device. Are these emails legit or another attempt by scammers hoping I click on their links?”
Rick, your suspicion is well-founded. Numerous reports indicate that scammers are indeed using Elon Musk’s name to promote fake energy-saving devices. These scams typically assert that the devices can significantly lower energy bills, yet there is no evidence linking Musk or his companies to these products.
Understanding how this scam operates can help you and others stay safe. The Elon Musk energy-saving scam employs flashy online ads, unsolicited emails, and other deceptive tactics to attract victims. These fraudsters promote so-called “revolutionary” devices through social media, pop-up ads, emails, and even search engine advertisements, falsely claiming Musk’s endorsement.
These advertisements often include fake customer testimonials, exaggerated claims of slashing electricity bills by 50% or more, and time-limited discounts to instill a sense of urgency. Common names for these advertised devices include Power Pro Save, Heunwa Power Save, Stop Watt, Miracle Watt, True Watt, Real Watt, Watt Rescue, Esaver Watt, Pro Power Save, and Voltmod, among others.
Clicking on these ads directs users to sales websites designed to appear legitimate. These sites feature fake logos, manipulated before-and-after images, and bogus celebrity endorsements to build trust. They often bombard potential victims with pseudo-scientific jargon such as “stabilizing electrical currents” or “rebalancing loads” to sound credible. Additionally, these sites frequently display inflated “regular” prices crossed out to create the illusion of a significant discount.
Upon closer inspection, the red flags become apparent. These websites typically lack essential information, such as a company address, contact number, or business registration details. Instead, they urge users to place orders through online forms, demanding full payment upfront via credit card or PayPal.
After making a purchase, victims may receive a cheap, non-functional plastic device, or sometimes nothing at all. These devices do not reduce electricity usage and may even lead to increased power consumption. By the time individuals realize they have been scammed, the fraudsters have already pocketed their money.
Historically, numerous power-saving scams have promised to cut down or eliminate electricity bills simply by plugging in their devices. The truth is, no device can genuinely reduce electricity usage or lower household bills just by being plugged in.
While voltage stabilization can be beneficial in industrial contexts, it offers little to no advantage for typical household appliances, which are designed to operate efficiently. For those genuinely interested in reducing electricity costs, practical solutions include upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, utilizing smart home devices, or adjusting energy usage schedules.
To protect yourself from such scams, consider the following tips:
- Verify the Email: Always check the sender’s email address and look for signs of phishing, such as poor grammar or urgent calls to action.
- Research Claims: Investigate any product claims from reputable sources before taking action.
- Avoid Clicking Links: Hover over links to reveal their true destination before clicking.
- Use Strong Antivirus Software: Ensure your devices are protected with reliable antivirus software that is regularly updated.
- Examine Websites Carefully: Look for missing or suspicious information, such as the absence of a business address or contact details.
- Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Deals: If an offer seems excessively generous, it probably is.
- Watch Payment Methods: Be cautious of sites demanding upfront payment without verification.
- Mark Spam Emails: Use your email provider’s features to flag spam and junk emails.
- Limit Public Sharing of Your Email: Protect your email address from being harvested by spammers.
- Consider Data Removal Services: These services can help reduce your digital footprint and protect your personal information.
Impersonation scams remain a prevalent method for fraudsters to steal money. Scammers often leverage well-known figures like Elon Musk to gain trust and deceive individuals into revealing financial information. To safeguard against these scams, avoid unsolicited emails or texts promoting unfamiliar products or offers. Stick to reputable sellers and always verify the legitimacy of any offer before making a purchase.
Have you encountered a scam using a well-known name or brand? Share your experience with us.