Elderly Woman Loses $75,000 in Malicious App Scam, Banks Reject Reimbursement

Bettilyn Smyth of Raleigh, North Carolina was tricked into authorizing fraudulent transactions that drained her accounts.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:47pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged smartphone screen, conceptually representing the devastating impact of a financial scam on an elderly victim.The harsh aftermath of a malicious mobile app scam that drained an elderly woman's life savings.Today in Raleigh

An elderly woman from Raleigh, North Carolina named Bettilyn Smyth lost $75,000 after falling victim to a deceptive scam involving a malicious mobile app. Smyth noticed two unfamiliar transactions on her bank account and called what she thought was her bank, but the scammers convinced her to authorize the fraudulent transfers, claiming the money would be returned. However, the banks have refused to reimburse Smyth for the stolen funds.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing threat of financial fraud targeting vulnerable elderly populations, as well as the challenges victims face in recouping losses from banks when they are tricked into authorizing fraudulent transactions. It raises questions about bank security protocols and consumer protections against scams.

The details

Smyth called what she thought was her bank after noticing the suspicious transactions, but the scammers on the other end of the line convinced her to authorize the transfers, telling her the money would be returned. However, the banks have refused to reimburse Smyth for the $75,000 that was stolen from her accounts.

  • Smyth noticed the two unfamiliar transactions on her bank account.
  • The scammers convinced Smyth to authorize the fraudulent transfers.

The players

Bettilyn Smyth

An elderly woman from Raleigh, North Carolina who lost $75,000 in a malicious app scam.

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What they’re saying

“They told me to say it was a loan to the person and that the person would give me my money back...so stupidly, I told them that I knew the person, which I didn't.”

— Bettilyn Smyth

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger consumer protections and security measures from banks to prevent vulnerable elderly customers from falling victim to sophisticated financial scams. It also underscores the importance of educating the public, especially seniors, on how to identify and avoid such malicious schemes.