WWE superstar Alexa Bliss is known for her powerful presence in the ring, but recently, her name has been linked to a devastating scam that cost a senior citizen nearly his entire life savings. Alfred Mancielli, an elderly fan, was manipulated into thinking he was supporting the wrestling icon through financial troubles. Without Bliss ever knowing, this fan’s admiration became the bait for an elaborate scam that drained almost $900,000 from his retirement fund, according to a New York Times report shared by Black Sports Online.
The story only gets more heartbreaking. Alfred’s son, Chris, quickly recognized the red flags and tried to protect his father’s finances, but the emotional grip these scammers held was too strong. As a last resort, Chris attempted to gain control over his father’s accounts, hoping to prevent further losses. Unfortunately, this led to Alfred filing a lawsuit against his son to retain control over his own finances, despite the clear risk.
Alfred’s troubles with online scams date back to 2018, but things took a drastic turn during the pandemic when isolation likely increased his vulnerability. By 2021, his retirement savings had dwindled from $900,000 to only $128,000. His son estimated that most of this loss was due to one or more individuals pretending to be Alexa Bliss, along with possible accomplices who played into the deception.
The online conversations between Alfred and the imposter read like a dramatic soap opera. The imposter, posing as Bliss, created elaborate scenarios involving supposed betrayals, family conflicts, and even accusations against WWE executives like Vince McMahon, claiming they had wronged her. This fake Bliss would feign illnesses and emergencies, even asking Alfred for money to cover medical expenses. Tragically, Alfred continued to believe in her stories and repeatedly provided emotional and financial support.
One particularly manipulative ploy involved the imposter claiming hospitalization due to severe medical issues and begging for money for treatment. The fake Bliss would ask Alfred how much money he had left, ensuring that each emotional appeal further drained his remaining savings. Despite his family’s efforts, Alfred’s trust in this fabricated relationship led to heartbreaking financial consequences.