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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Despite being told she won $1 million and a brand new car, On Your Side’s Ashley Reynolds did not quit her job. The same scam message might slide into your direct messages.

A viewer in Raymondville, Mo., received the same message from a very famous person. Jeff McColgin also won the same Tesla. It all started with a Facebook message from someone claiming to be Elon Musk. The video message said, “It’s me, Elon Musk. I’m making this video to prove to you I’m the real Elon Musk. You can block all those fake profiles that are claiming to me. I love you so much.”

“Scammers are upping their game using AI technology to make classic phishing scams even more believable. Getting a social media message from a celebrity, someone well-known, just adds a fake sense of credibility to the message,” said Pamela Hernandez with the Better Business Bureau.

McColgin asked for the VIN on his new ride and never got that information.

“I said I talked to my insurance, and they need the VIN,” he said.

McColgin and Reynolds were told to buy $500 in Apple gift cards to activate their winnings.

If you encounter this scam or something similar, report the account to the social media platform.
File complaints with the Better Business Bureau and Attorney General.
Remember, you never pay upfront for legit sweepstakes.
If you’re asked to pay in gift cards, that’s a red flag.

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