GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — A 71-year-old Grand Island woman has fallen victim to a year-long cryptocurrency scam involving a fraudster impersonating billionaire Elon Musk, according to the Grand Island Police Department.
Authorities say the victim believed she was speaking directly with Musk through WhatsApp after the scammer sent a photo of him as “proof” of identity. Over the course of a year, the scammer repeatedly requested money in the form of Bitcoin, ultimately collecting approximately $150,000 before the victim told them she had no more funds.
Investigators say the money is unlikely to be recovered. “When it comes to Bitcoin and these cryptocurrency machines, it’s very difficult to track after just a couple of days,” said GIPD Division Chief Dean Elliott.
This incident mirrors another Grand Island case earlier this year, when a 72-year-old woman lost more than $20,000 to a similar scam. In that case, the victim was researching the Tesla company when the impersonator requested a $1 million “loan” for Tesla operations.
In response to the growing number of cryptocurrency-related scams, the Grand Island City Council has approved a new ordinance requiring signage on or near all crypto machines warning users of potential fraud risks.
Police urge residents to remain cautious and shared several tips to avoid scams:
Stay calm and avoid reacting immediately to emotional or urgent requests.
Never respond directly to suspicious calls, texts, or emails—contact the company directly using verified information.
Visit the official website for accurate contact details before sending money or information.
When uncertain, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or the Better Business Bureau for a second opinion.
Authorities continue to warn the public that scammers often impersonate high-profile figures to lure victims into cryptocurrency and investment schemes.
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