82-year-old grandma's bank account wiped out, left with a negative balance after loan scam

What was suppose to pay Betty Alford's rent and utility bills this month is now in the wallets of scammers.

In need of financial help, Alford turned to the internet and applied for an online loan.

The 82-year-old told FOX26 she has taken three loans out through an online process before and nothing "bad" has happened until recently.

"I'm sorry this happened to other people but I'm glad I'm not the only one," said Alford of Fresno.
The scammers wiped out her entire bank account leaving her penniless with a negative balance.

“I got my PG&E bill that is due. I can’t even pay that," Alford said.

During the online loan application, Alford said she submitted her account and routing number as she had in previous application processes.

This is how the scammers learned which bank she was connected with.

Someone then called Alford claiming to be a Wells Fargo representative, telling her she qualified for a $6,000 loan.

She says they followed up with a few questions to verify information and told her to repeat back a 1-time text code they had sent her.

The scammers got in and locked her out of her own account.
She had no idea what was happening.

“Oh, I'm devastated. I just received my social security check, that's it, and I have no money and now I'm in the hole over $2000," Alford said.

During all of that, her granddaughter says they distracted her by asking her to deposit money on a reloadable debit card for the process.

The scammers failed to take any money from the debit card.

But, she never heard from the scammer again after he took the money from the bank.

When FOX26 spoke with Alford, she was still puzzled as to how the scammer manipulated her.

Her granddaughter explained what happened after they investigate the theft. They then relayed that information with a local bank representative.
"She said it would be fraud, but I gave him my account number, what you have to do online... So don't ever get a loan online. This could happen to someone else and I am devastated," Alford said.

FOX26 reached out to Wells Fargo about the story we did this past week and for this case.

We have not received an answer if both of these people will be getting their money back.

We also reached out to find to learn how the bigger picture behind the never-ending scams and how the company is dealing with it.

We have not heard back at this time.

______________
Stay up to date with our social media:

Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:

Call the Newsroom: 559.453.8850

KMPH and KFRE are CA based stations and FOX and CW Television affiliates owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.

#KMPH #Fox26 #News #KMPH26 #Fresno #Scam #Loan #Bank