An Ontario woman lost $750,000 after she was tricked by an investment scammer posing as billionaire Elon Musk.
“In total with my savings and line of credit I have lost $750,000,” said Elizabeth Bakos of Etobicoke.
Bakos said ever since she suffered a stroke she rarely leaves her home and spends a lot of time on the internet.
In January of this year she was searching online for investment opportunities when she watched a video of Elon Musk stating you could purchase shares through a website for $250 each.
“I thought Elon Musk offering his shares for $250 would be nice to own,” said Bakos.
Bakos said she entered her email, phone number and other information into the website and almost immediately she started getting calls from all over the world.
Bakos said one man who claimed to have the same last name as one of her relatives also said he was a family man who collects stray dogs to take care of and said he could help her start investing right away.
“He asked me, ‘Are you looking for investments?’ And I said, ‘yes.’ He asked if I saw the Elon Musk video and I said, ‘yes,’ and he said, ‘I can help you,’” said Bakos.
The man advised Bakos to download the computer program AnyDesk, remote access software that would give him total control over her computer so he could help her invest.
“Next thing I know he was taking $20,000 there and $10,000 there. He made me believe 100 per cent that I was making money,” said Bakos.
Bakos said…
