An interesting post on the Tesla Cybertruck Facebook group shows that some con artists will use fake Elon Musk passport images to gain their confidence.
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With the questionable news of a Tesla Pi Phone coming soon, con artists are hoping to cash in on what will undoubtedly be an extremely high demand for the phone, with thousands vying to be among the first to own one.
Especially if you are a Cybertruck owner.
This is not surprising considering that Cybertruck owners are the most deeply entrenched fans, if not loyalists, of…well… let's call it "Everything Elon." Which in and of itself is also not surprising based on the fact that the Cybertruck is here despite a long and storied past of doubters.
The Tesla Pi Phone / Tesla Model Pi Rumor
The "Tesla Phone," often referred to as the “Tesla Model Pi” or “Tesla Pi Phone”, is reputedly a rumored concept of a smartphone being developed by Tesla company founder Elon Musk.
In an earlier article written last June by Torque News contributing writer Tinsae Aregay discussing the reasons why a Tesla Phone is a natural extension of Tesla vehicles, he quotes an interview question posed to Elon Musk with the following near-admission:
In response to Adam Jonas's research stating that Tesla will make a phone, Musk wrote, "We could, but hopefully it isn't needed. Tesla is one of the few companies that has its own tech stack (not iOS, Android, or forked Android)."
In an even earlier article two years ago this week, Torque News contributing writer Jeremy Johnson also discussed the suggestion that the Tesla Phone one day may happen due to differences of opinion between Google and Apple regarding Twitter based on the Musk Tweet below―but only as a last resort.
However, Mr. Johnson follows this, reminding readers that a Tesla Phone is just speculation:
"On YouTube, unfortunately, you have a bunch of fake videos about Tesla, the company, making a phone and these are simply false and not true. Tesla is not making a phone. I can see why people are making the videos though because some of them have millions of views and are drawing great interest. There is no Tesla Phone Model Pi or anything like that being produced."
On the other hand, however, he also acknowledges that it does make sense as a potential reality based on the fact that if anyone could do it, Tesla is poised to make it real:
"A Tesla phone might make sense and integrated with Starlink, could have better service than anything Apple or Google can utilize."
The Tesla Pi Phone / Tesla Model Pi Excitement
However, the point of this article is not whether a Tesla Phone is true but the circumstances that make it a lucrative foil for scammers and con artists is a reality today.
First and foremost, like the Cybertruck, it is an exciting concept…even if just scribbled on a napkin or bandied about on the internet by enthusiasts wanting and waiting for the next best thing, à la "Everything Elon."
Related article: Did a Demo Drive in Cybertruck Today and Loved it. Now I feel Guilty
Who can resist promises(?) that include features such as:
- Solar Charging: Using Tesla's expertise in solar technology, the phone could charge using sunlight.
- Starlink Connectivity: Integration with Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, to offer seamless connectivity globally.
- Neuralink Compatibility: Hypothetical integration with Neuralink for brain-computer interface functionality.
- High-End Camera Technology: Revolutionary camera and AI features for astrophotography or VR/AR applications.
And especially:
- Mars Compatibility: Some rumors even suggest it could be designed to work on Mars, aligned with Elon Musk's vision of colonizing the Red Planet.
To catch some of that excitement, here is a convincing, if not confusing, video about the Tesla Pi Phone titled:
"Elon Musk: "I Am Releasing New Tesla Model Pi Phone That Will Destroy The iPhone!"
Possibly the best answer to who can resist such promises(?): Experienced Tesla fans who know that when something sounds too good to be true―it probably is.
Cyberscam Attempt on Cybertruck Owner
Case in Point: A recent post on the Tesla Cybertruck Facebook group indicates that one Tesla owner was approached by someone claiming to be Elon Musk and promising him access to the new Tesla Phone.
Not only was the scammer persistent throughout the messaging back and forth, but they also provided what appears to be Elon Musk's passport as proof to the Tesla owner that he really is talking to Musk and will be receiving a Tesla Phone―provided he becomes more accommodating and stop questioning him whether he really is Elon Musk or not.
This is a red flag for an obvious phishing attempt to get the Tesla owner to reveal sensitive information. In this case the scammer wanted to get the Tesla owner to subscribe to a monthly payment account.
Fortunately, the Tesla owner was aware of what was going on and decided to play along with the scammer for entertainment.
Conclusion
Currently, the Tesla Phone is more of a myth or speculation than it is a reality. While it's an intriguing concept, there's no credible evidence or official plans for Tesla to enter the smartphone market.
However, what is not myth or speculation but reality is that scammers are everywhere on the internet, and we can expect a deluge of phishing attempts preying on the enthusiasm of Tesla fans to get in on the ground floor of the next "Everything Elon" product.
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
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