Bitdefender Labs recently investigated an eight-month campaign that used SpaceX, Elon Musk, artificial intelligence, and investment hype to lure potential investors through SMS messages, social media ads, emails, webinars, and phone calls.
If you've ever seen an ad promising exclusive access to a major IPO, an AI-powered investment platform, or extraordinary returns tied to a well-known company, this investigation shows how scammers can exploit real-world events to make fraudulent investment opportunities appear legitimate.
You can read the full research paper here.
What we discovered
Over eight months, Bitdefender researchers observed a coordinated ecosystem of investment promotions targeting users across more than 15 countries, including the United States, Spain, Sweden, France, Italy, Poland, South Africa, Singapore, Jordan, and the Philippines.
The campaign evolved as public interest in SpaceX grew, eventually spanning multiple channels:
- SMS campaigns
- Social media advertisements
- Investment newsletters
- Webinar invitations
- Phone calls promoting AI-assisted investment platforms
Rather than relying on a single tactic, operators used different channels to build trust, create urgency, and persuade users to invest.
How the scam worked
The campaigns followed a familiar pattern:
- A user sees a sponsored ad, SMS message, or investment email.
- The message promotes a SpaceX-related investment opportunity or AI-powered trading platform.
- The victim is encouraged to register for more information or complete an eligibility form.
- Contact information is collected.
- A follow-up phone call attempts to convince the victim to make an initial investment.
- The conversation emphasizes urgency, extraordinary returns, and fear of missing out.
One honeypot interaction tracked by Bitdefender Labs illustrates how quickly this process can unfold. After researchers submitted contact details through a suspicious investment website, they received a 16-minute follow-up call just a few days later promoting an AI-powered investment platform linked to SpaceX.
AI keeps showing up in investment scams
One recurring theme throughout the investigation was artificial intelligence.
Researchers repeatedly observed claims that AI-powered trading systems could automatically generate exceptional profits or identify exclusive investment opportunities.
This isn't a new tactic.
Bitdefender has previously investigated campaigns using AI-themed investment platforms, deepfake videos, fake celebrity endorsements, and cryptocurrency scams. SpaceX simply became the latest story scammers used to capture attention.
How to stay safe
If you come across an investment opportunity promoted through social media, SMS, or email:
- Verify announcements through official company websites and trusted financial news sources.
- Be skeptical of guaranteed returns or "exclusive" investment opportunities.
- Research investment platforms independently before sharing personal or financial information.
- Never feel pressured to invest immediately.
You can also use Bitdefender's free tools:
Have you seen similar investment scams?
Have you encountered investment ads mentioning SpaceX, Elon Musk, AI-powered trading, or other high-profile companies?
Share your experience in the comments (without posting personal information). Community reports help raise awareness and can help others recognize similar scams before they become victims.
