Shimla: Cybercriminal Posing as Elon Musk Scams ₹11.87 Lakh, Police Launch Investigation
In Shimla, cyber fraudsters posing as Elon Musk tricked a man into giving them ₹11.87 lakh. According to the complaint, on July 18, 2025, the victim received a call while browsing online. The scammer claimed to be Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, and lured him with promises of a new Tesla model, gold worth ₹23 million, and other gifts.
Enticed by the offer, the victim paid the fraudsters in installments of ₹2,000, ₹5,000, ₹5,000, ₹25,000, and ₹10,000, totaling ₹11,87,644. Despite repeated payments, he received nothing. When the scammers kept demanding more money, he realized it was a fraud and lodged a complaint at the Chotta Shimla Police Station.
The police have registered a case under IT Act Sections 66C and 66D and other applicable laws against unknown persons and have begun investigation. SSP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi stated that the police are thoroughly examining every aspect of the case.
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting people across the state by using greed and fear to swindle large sums. The cyber helpline 1930 receives hundreds of calls daily reporting financial fraud. Experts have warned people not to trust unknown calls or links to protect their savings.
In recent years, scammers in the state have defrauded people of crores by using tactics such as fake digital arrests, lottery, gifts, online investments, and posing as bank officials. Retired employees and bank customers remain particularly vulnerable to these frauds.
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