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An Alabama woman lost her life savings after answering a call displaying as Wells Fargo, where scammers used caller ID spoofing to impersonate the bank and trick her into providing account information, resulting in thousands of dollars being drained from her accounts. The victim was left with only $13, and state regulators warn that funds stolen through these overseas fraud operations are rarely recovered. Experts advise consumers to never provide financial details to incoming callers and instead independently verify bank contact information using official sources like the back of their debit card or banking app.

The Alabama Securities Commission warned consumers about fraudulent electronic invitations ("evites") that appear to come from trusted sources but may contain malicious links designed to install viruses, steal login credentials, or compromise personal information. Cybercriminals use these deceptive invitations to expose personal data and gain unauthorized access to accounts and devices. The commission recommends verifying invitations by contacting the supposed sender directly through a known phone number before clicking any links.

This article discusses credit union advocacy meetings with policymakers during congressional recess, not an actual fraud case or scam. The article mentions that credit unions raised fraud concerns, including elder fraud schemes, as a policy priority during meetings with representatives from Virginia, Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, and Illinois, but does not describe a specific fraud incident or victim impact.

An Alabama teacher lost approximately $9,000 after scammers impersonated Wells Fargo's fraud department via text and phone, convincing her to transfer money to what she believed was a secure account. The scam involved a fake debit card appearing in her Apple Wallet, and Wells Fargo has denied her fraud claim despite the incident being reported to police and the FDIC. The victim is warning others to be suspicious of unsolicited calls from banks and to verify requests independently rather than responding to pressure from callers claiming to represent financial institutions.

Three people were arrested in Mobile County, Alabama for allegedly exploiting an elderly resident through fraud, forgery, and theft over a six-year period, stealing an estimated $659,314 in verified assets (with total losses possibly approaching $1 million). The suspects—Melissa Lynn Hobden, Michael Lewis Crouch, and Nora Powe Hobden—worked together to target the victim's finances and property between 2019 and 2025, with the scheme uncovered when the victim's daughter reported concerns in November 2025. Seniors and their families should monitor financial accounts regularly, verify unusual transactions with banks and creditors, and report suspected exploitation to local law enforcement immediately.

An Alabama retiree lost his life savings to a "pig butchering" romance scam in which a scammer posing as a woman named "Bella" built trust with him before convincing him to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. Federal agents seized over $222,000 in digital assets and are seeking to keep the money as fraud proceeds. To protect yourself: be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic connections offering investment advice, never transfer money to cryptocurrency wallets based on someone's recommendation (especially strangers online), and remember that cryptocurrency transactions, while appearing anonymous, can be traced by law enforcement.

A retired man from Florence, Alabama lost his life savings of $222,000 in a "pig butchering" scam, where a criminal posing as a young female investor named Bella built a romantic relationship with him before convincing him to transfer funds into fake cryptocurrency accounts. Federal authorities have traced and seized the stolen funds and are now seeking to formally forfeit them as proceeds of wire fraud. This scam highlights the dangers of cryptocurrency investment schemes and the importance of being cautious about unsolicited investment offers, especially those involving romantic overtures from online strangers.

A retired man in Florence, Alabama, lost over $222,000 in a "pig butchering" crypto scam after being manipulated by a scammer posing as a young woman named "Bella" on Telegram, who gradually built his trust before directing him to fake investment platforms and fraudulent crypto wallets. The U.S. government has seized the funds and filed for civil forfeiture to permanently recover them. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic advances from strangers who quickly pivot to investment opportunities, never transfer money to crypto platforms based on someone's guidance, and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before committing funds.

A retired man in Florence, Alabama lost over $222,000 in a "pig butchering" crypto scam, where a fraudster posing as a young woman named "Bella" built his trust over time before directing him to fake investment platforms and cryptocurrency wallets. The U.S. government successfully tracked and seized the funds, filing for permanent forfeiture in federal court. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment offers online, especially those involving cryptocurrency, and never transfer money to unfamiliar wallets or exchanges—particularly through encrypted messaging apps where scammers can operate with less accountability.

An Alabama retiree lost over $222,000 after a scammer posing as a young woman named "Bella" built trust with him through Telegram and directed him to fake cryptocurrency investment platforms—a scheme known as a "pig butchering scam." According to recent data, crypto investors collectively lost $5.5 billion to these romance-based scams in 2024, with victims typically losing more than half their net worth and scammers often completing the grooming process in just 1-2 weeks. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of romantic connections that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify the identity of anyone requesting money through independent means, and never transfer funds to cryptocurrency platforms recommended by people you've only met online.

A retired person in Alabama lost over $222,000 after being deceived by a scammer posing as a young woman online who promised cryptocurrency investment help—a scheme that exploited trust built over time through romantic messaging before directing the victim to transfer money into fake crypto wallets. The FBI has seized the funds and initiated legal proceedings, while broader data shows that similar cryptocurrency scams cost investors $5.5 billion in 2024. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment offers online, never transfer money to crypto wallets based on stranger advice, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before sending any funds.

A retired man from Florence, Alabama lost his entire life savings in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam, where a scammer posing as a woman named "Bella" built a romantic relationship with him before convincing him to transfer over $222,000 into fraudulent crypto wallets. Federal authorities have since seized the stolen funds and are moving to forfeit them as proceeds of wire fraud. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online romantic interests who quickly shift conversations to investment opportunities, and never transfer money to cryptocurrency accounts based on advice from people you've only met online.

A man known as the "TikTok Trickster" has been extradited to Baldwin County, Alabama to face romance scam charges after allegedly defrauding dozens of women across multiple states. The suspect, Brenton Fillers, used fake identities on social media and dating apps to build romantic relationships with victims, then requested money under false pretenses such as medical emergencies or lost debit cards, with one victim losing approximately $33,000 over 10 months. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and never send funds to people you haven't met in person.

Former Alabama defensive lineman Luther Davis allegedly orchestrated an elaborate impersonation scheme where he and partner CJ Evins dressed up as NFL players—including Xavier McKinney, Michael Penix Jr., and David Njoku—using disguises, fake IDs, and fabricated documents to fraudulently obtain at least $19.8 million in loans from lenders. The three impersonated players were unaware of the scheme, which occurred over a 17-month period starting in May 2023. To protect yourself, be cautious of loan requests that seem unusual, verify the identity of loan applicants in person through official channels, and monitor your identity for unauthorized use.

The City of Birmingham, Alabama scheduled a free Financial Fraud Workshop for January 31, 2026, designed to educate residents about common scams including phishing, identity theft, credit card fraud, healthcare scams, and romance scams, with practical guidance on recognizing red flags and protecting themselves and their loved ones. However, the event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a future date. In the meantime, residents can protect themselves by being skeptical of unsolicited communications, never paying via gift cards, verifying requests for personal information through official channels, and discussing potential scams with trusted family members or friends before taking action.

A high school senior in Huntsville, Alabama named Harris Dunham is volunteering at a senior living facility to teach older adults how to use technology safely and avoid online scams—inspired after his own grandparents lost money to an Amazon scam. The sessions cover practical topics like password security, camera operation, and how to recognize suspicious calls, helping seniors understand that unexpected calls from unknown numbers should not be answered. For seniors seeking to protect themselves, Dunham's advice is simple: be cautious of unsolicited calls and seek help from trusted younger family members or tech-savvy friends when questions arise about technology or unfamiliar contacts.

Pelham, Alabama police are warning about a surge in cryptocurrency scams targeting senior citizens, where criminals impersonate law enforcement and threaten victims with arrest or jail time unless they pay in Bitcoin. The scammers use scare tactics and keep victims on the phone to coerce them into cryptocurrency transfers, which are harder to trace and faster than traditional bank transactions. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from police, hang up immediately and call your local police department directly to verify the claim rather than providing any payment information.

SARCOA is hosting a free Fraud Summit on January 22, 2026, in Enterprise, Alabama, designed to help seniors and their caregivers recognize and avoid financial scams and exploitation. Expert speakers from organizations like the Alabama Securities Commission and AARP will provide practical guidance on spotting common scams, protecting personal information, and accessing help resources. Seniors interested in attending should register by January 12 to secure their spot at this free event, which includes lunch.

The Wiregrass region is hosting a free Fraud Summit on January 22 to help seniors recognize and avoid scams and financial exploitation, featuring expert presentations from organizations like AARP and the Alabama Securities Commission. The event, held at the Enterprise Civic Center, is designed to educate older adults on financial safety as scam activity continues rising nationwide. Seniors and caregivers interested in attending should reserve seats by January 12 by calling 334-793-6843 or emailing the provided address, as seating is limited and lunch will be provided.

Franklin County, Alabama is experiencing a surge in scams targeting residents, including phone fraud where scammers impersonate deputies claiming victims missed court dates or jury duty, and romance scams conducted over the internet. A 90-year-old Red Bay woman lost over $18,000 after being tricked into sending money across 37 transactions by someone claiming to help with debt. Sheriff's officials urge residents to never send money over the phone and to report suspected scams to local law enforcement immediately.

# Franklin County Warns of Growing Scam Problem Franklin County, Alabama law enforcement is warning residents about a surge in scams targeting people of all ages, including romance scams, fake sheriff's office bail bond offers, and debt relief schemes that have cost victims thousands of dollars—with one elderly person losing over $18,000 in 37 transactions. Authorities urge residents to never send money by phone, share personal information with callers, or conduct business via text or social media; instead, they recommend independently contacting the organization or sheriff's office directly if you're unsure about a request. Many scammers operate overseas and may never face prosecution, making prevention through awareness and family discussions about new technology particularly important.

TARCOG is hosting a free Fraud and Scam Summit in Athens, Alabama to educate seniors, caregivers, and professionals about recognizing and preventing scams, which cost Americans nearly $5 billion annually. The event features experts from law enforcement and the Alabama Securities Commission discussing common fraud tactics, identity theft prevention, and reporting procedures, with particular focus on romance scams as the fastest-growing threat targeting vulnerable seniors. Attendees can register on the waiting list by contacting TARCOG at 256-830-0818, and resources will be available online for those unable to attend.

Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) introduced the bipartisan GUARD Act to combat financial scams targeting older Americans, particularly those using cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. The legislation would allow state and local law enforcement to use existing federal grant funding to hire personnel and deploy advanced tracing tools, addressing gaps that enable scammers to escape prosecution. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans aged 60 and older lost over $2.3 billion to fraud in 2024—a 21% increase from 2023—with experts estimating total unreported fraud at $61.5 billion, including growing "

Elderly fraud in the U.S. resulted in nearly $5 billion in losses during 2024, representing a 46% increase in complaints and 43% increase in financial losses compared to 2023, according to FBI data showing 147,127 complaints. TARCOG's Senior Medicare Patrol is hosting a free Fraud & Scam Summit on August 20, 2025, to educate seniors, families, and caregivers on recognizing common scams, identity theft prevention, detecting financial abuse, and reporting resources. The event at Athens State University will feature local experts and community organizations providing educational information and support.

A mother and daughter from Alabama were sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to defrauding an elderly victim of over $500,000 between December 2020 and February 2022. While working as in-home caretakers with access to the victim's financial information, Mykia L. Henderson (32) and Cynthia H. Mixon (50) created fraudulent payment accounts through Square and Stripe to charge the victim's credit cards, wrote unauthorized checks, and deposited stolen funds into their own accounts. Henderson received 87 months in prison and Mixon received 57 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

TARCOG is hosting a free Fraud & Scam Summit on August 20, 2025, in Athens, Alabama, to educate the community about elder fraud following reports that seniors lost nearly $5 billion to financial scams across the U.S. in 2024. The summit will cover topics including recognizing common scams, identity theft prevention, the role of caregivers in detecting fraud, and reporting procedures, with exhibitors from state programs and community organizations providing resources.

The Better Business Bureau is warning Alabama shoppers about a rising scam involving fake websites and misleading social media ads that mimic legitimate retailers but only accept payment methods with no fraud protection, such as debit cards, Venmo, and Cash App. In the last month and a half, the BBB logged nearly 100 cases of fraudulent online storefronts in the region. Consumers are advised to verify website security by checking for "https" URLs and using credit cards, which offer fraud protection, rather than peer-to-peer payment apps or debit cards that provide little recourse once money is transferred.

Two Alabama women—32-year-old Mykia L. Henderson and 50-year-old Cynthia H. Mixon (mother and daughter)—were sentenced to 57 months in prison for defrauding an elderly victim of nearly $500,000 between December 2020 and February 2022. While working as the victim's in-home caretakers, they used fraudulent payment accounts (Square and Stripe) to charge the victim's credit cards, wrote unauthorized checks, and concealed their activities through false descriptions on transactions. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

A mother and daughter who worked as in-home caretakers in Alabama were sentenced to prison for defrauding an elderly victim of approximately $500,000 between December 2020 and February 2022. Mykia L. Henderson, 32, received 87 months in prison and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, received 57 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The defendants used their access to the victim's financial information to create fraudulent payment accounts through Square and Stripe, charged unauthorized credit card transactions, wrote bogus checks, and concealed their activity with false descriptions.

**Not applicable for Elderus database.** This article describes a charitable initiative providing beds and meals to food-insecure children in rural Alabama and does not involve elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse.

Scammers are posing as University of Alabama students on GroupMe, Snapchat, and other social media platforms to sell fake football tickets, requesting untraceable payments through Venmo, CashApp, or Apple Pay before blocking victims and disappearing with their money. To protect against this fraud, the university recommends using official platforms like MyTickets or SeatGeek, avoiding social media ticket sales, meeting sellers in person at safe locations, and never sharing personal information or using untraceable payment methods. Victims should immediately report scams to University Police at 205-348-5454.

Legal experts from LSC-funded organizations discuss how civil legal services address critical needs of aging Americans, with LSC programs assisting over 312,000 seniors age 60+ annually with issues including wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives. Seniors face particular vulnerability to scams and fraud, and these legal crises compound other challenges like housing costs and medical issues that threaten their safety, stability, and ability to age independently with dignity.

This article is not related to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It discusses a U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding parental rights to opt children out of classroom instruction on LGBT-themed content, and the Alabama Policy Institute's advocacy calling on parents and school districts to implement opt-out policies. This is a political/educational policy matter and falls outside the scope of the Elderus fraud research database.

The Central Alabama Aging Consortium held its annual Elder Justice and Fraud Conference in Wetumpka to educate the public about elder abuse and scams. Elder abuse takes multiple forms including financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment by caregivers. Conference organizers emphasize the importance of staying informed about evolving fraud tactics and recognizing warning signs of elder abuse.

The Central Alabama Aging Consortium's Ombudsman Program held its annual Elder Justice Fraud and Caregiver Conference on July 17 to educate professionals and caregivers about identifying and preventing elder abuse and fraud. Over 1,200 Alabama seniors report being victims of elder fraud annually, resulting in losses exceeding $17 million per year, with 10% of seniors nationwide experiencing fraud victimization yearly. The conference featured experts in financial exploitation, elder law, and protective services who provided tools and resources for professionals to assist fraud victims and prevent future incidents.

Senior citizens in Vestavia Hills are invited to an educational presentation on July 16 at the New Merkel House where Russell Lowe from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will teach about common scams and fraud targeting older adults. The free presentation at 11 a.m. includes coffee beforehand and a $1.50 lunch afterward, designed to help seniors protect their finances.

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Liu, was arrested on July 2 at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport for defrauding elderly people across multiple states. Liu targeted an elderly man in Charlestown who withdrew $27,000 from his retirement account in May, and investigators linked him to at least five additional victims in Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee, with total losses exceeding $309,000. Liu faces charges including theft, fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, and authorities are seeking additional victims who may be in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

A Chinese national with a revoked student visa was arrested after scamming a retired educator in Spanish Fort, Alabama, out of approximately $400,000 in life savings over three weeks. The suspect posed as a U.S. Marshal and convinced the elderly victim to liquidate her cash into gold bars, which he collected during four in-person meetings before she became suspicious and contacted police. Spanish Fort Police and the FBI collaborated on the arrest, which occurred just before Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and the case reflects a broader trend—the FBI reported $219 million in gold bar scam losses nationally in the previous year.

Alabama securities regulators recovered over $125,000 in crypto assets for two residents who lost a combined $580,000 to "pig butchering" romance scams—schemes where victims met scammers on dating apps and messaging platforms and were convinced to invest in fraudulent trading platforms over several months. One victim lost $185,000 after meeting a scammer on Bumble, while another lost $395,000 after responding to a WhatsApp advertisement for a fake platform falsely claiming Charles Schwab affiliation. Pig butchering scams accounted for 33.2% of the $9.9 billion in global crypto fraud in 2024, with criminals increasingly

The Alabama Securities Commission reported a record 200 elder fraud cases since January, with women aged 71-90 being disproportionately affected, and identified social isolation as a key vulnerability factor that scammers exploit during periods of grief or health crises. Fraudsters use social media information and infiltrate senior groups to build trust, with exploitation ranging from online romance scams to financial abuse by family members and caregivers. The ASC recommends maintaining regular contact with seniors, adding "trusted contacts" to financial accounts, and sharing fraud awareness information to reduce vulnerability to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) warned residents of a nationwide phishing scam using text messages falsely claiming to be from a nonexistent "Alabama Department of Vehicles (DMV)," threatening driving privilege suspension and vehicle registration cancellation unless payment is made for fabricated traffic tickets. ALEA clarified that it does not send unsolicited threat messages and advised citizens to avoid clicking suspicious links, refuse to provide personal information, and report phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission or IC3.

The Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission held a free Fraud Summit in Selma to educate residents about common scams targeting seniors, including text messages impersonating postal services or toll road operators. Attendees were advised not to respond to suspicious communications, avoid clicking links, and contact police if targeted, as these scams aim to steal personal information from victims' phones.

Scammers are placing fake QR code stickers over legitimate parking meter codes in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama, to redirect payments to fraudulent accounts instead of actual parking vendors. The Better Business Bureau advises verifying QR codes by physically checking for stickers or scanning with a phone camera to confirm the website address matches the official parking company before paying. Victims should dispute charges immediately with their credit card company and avoid using debit cards for parking payments, as credit cards offer fraud protection that debit cards do not.

Taneshia Brown, owner of Bella Wood Senior Living in Jemison, Alabama, was arrested and charged with first-degree financial exploitation of an elderly person after investigators found she conducted unauthorized transactions totaling several thousand dollars from a 76-year-old resident's bank account. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are exploring whether other victims exist at the facility.

Terrance Pruitt, a 47-year-old from Bessemer, Alabama, was sentenced to 50 months in prison for defrauding an elderly family member with dementia in 2023. Pruitt fraudulently obtained power of attorney, became a joint account holder, and transferred $550,000 from the victim's bank accounts to his own personal accounts, using the funds for personal benefit. He was convicted on two counts of wire fraud in December 2024.

Terrance Alonzo Pruitt, a 47-year-old from Bessemer, Alabama, was sentenced to 50 months in prison for defrauding an elderly family member with dementia of $550,000 between September and December 2023. Pruitt obtained a Power of Attorney without the victim's knowledge, made himself a joint account holder, altered beneficiary designations, and transferred funds to personal accounts, later providing inconsistent explanations when confronted. His sentence was enhanced due to perjury committed during his trial testimony, and he was convicted on two counts of wire fraud.

Terrance Alonzo Pruitt, a 47-year-old man from Bessemer, Alabama, was sentenced to 50 months in prison for defrauding an elderly family member with dementia of $550,000 between September and December 2023. Pruitt executed a fraudulent Power of Attorney, became a joint account holder, altered beneficiaries, and transferred funds to his personal accounts without the victim's knowledge or permission. His sentence was enhanced due to perjury committed during his trial testimony.

NARCOG is hosting a Fraud Summit on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Moulton Senior Center to educate older adults on protecting themselves from scams, health insurance fraud, and financial exploitation. The event will feature expert speakers from the Better Business Bureau and Alabama Securities Commission, as well as representatives from Senior Medical Patrol and the State Health Insurance Program. Seating is limited and registration is required by calling Julie Campbell at 256-355-4515.

This educational article identifies New Jersey as the safest U.S. state for retirees based on FBI data analysis, citing low violent and property crime rates, minimal senior involvement in fatal accidents, and strong healthcare access. The article also lists nine additional safe states for retirement (New York, Mississippi, Louisiana, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, Alabama) and warns against five states with higher risks of elder fraud, property crime, and scams (Colorado, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico).

Blount County, Alabama authorities are warning of an evolving phone scam in which callers impersonate court officials and threaten victims with arrest warrants for missing jury duty, sometimes sending fake court notices to appear authentic. Scammers demand payment over the phone, at kiosks, or pressure victims to stay on the line to pay a "bond," though legitimate warrants are never handled this way. Authorities advise hanging up on such calls and reporting them immediately.