Fact Check: Elon Musk inviting FB followers to participate in cryptocurrency takeaway is a hoax message

A Facebook page claiming to be the official account of CEO of Tesla Motors, Elon Musk, is circulating online with a claim that Musk has invited followers to participate in a cryptocurrency giveaway in honour of him stepping down from the post as CEO.

The post claims that as Musk plans to leave the CEO position at Tesla, he is interested in handing out digital currency to people on Twitter. It reads, “Left the post of director of Tesla, thank you all for your support!” (Click here to view)

We also received similar messages from our readers asking us to verify the authenticity.

FACT CHECK:

Firstly, it should be noted that there has been no official announcement about Elon Musk stepping down from the CEO post. If this was true, there would have been several official statements made. Moreover, there have been no announcements of a cryptocurrency being given away by Musk either.

Secondly, Elon Musk does not have a Facebook account. In reply to a tweet in 2018, Musk clarified that he doesn't use Facebook.

It should also be noted that such messages are always a scam that could lead to leak of personal information. Thus, the above claim is a hoax.