Elderly man scammed out of nearly $1 million by Alexa Bliss impersonator

The New York Times published an article this week documenting the story of Alfred Mancinelli, a man who was scammed out of nearly $1 million by at least one con artist impersonating WWE star Alexa Bliss.

Mancinelli became “completely smitten” with an impostor after being targeted online and was convinced he was in a romantic relationship with Bliss, the New York Times writes. He drained his retirement savings and his granddaughter’s college fund before passing away at 79 years old.

“His chat messages with the sham Alexa read like a soap opera,” the New York Times writes. “There were the battles with his son, whom he disowned, after [his son] tried to safeguard his money; other ‘evil’ meddlers trying to spoil their relationship; and ongoing references to Vince McMahon, the former wrestling promoter, whom the fake Alexa accused of humiliating her after she refused his advances. But Alfred was always there, ready to extend emotional and financial support.

“The Alexa impersonator often claimed to be hospitalized for bad menstrual periods, and would plead with Alfred to send money so the hospital could begin treating her. ‘Tell me how much do you have left baby,’ the impostor said in a chat.”

Mancinelli and the impostor never spoke by audio or video, but the impostor sent him trinkets in the mail and once sent him pizza for his birthday. Mancinelli’s son tried to step in and protect what was left of his father’s money, but Mancinelli was loyal to the fake Bliss.

Bliss (real name Lexi Cabrera) has repeatedly warned fans about scammers impersonating her. Other WWE stars — including Liv Morgan — have also warned fans about similar scam operations.

Mancinelli also sent money to two other scammers (not impersonating Bliss) who claimed to have sick children or be caring for sick children.

“Alfred’s involvement in scams dated back to 2018, but worsened during the isolating days of the pandemic,” the New York Times wrote. “By the spring of 2021, his once $900,000 nest egg had dropped to $128,000. [His son] estimates that most of his father’s money went to one or more Alexa Bliss impostors.”

Mancinelli’s son tried to protect his father’s last $100,000 but eventually gave it back after being sued. Once the money was returned to Mancinelli (who passed cognitive tests), he lost that to scammers as well. Mancinelli died last summer after failing to recover from neck surgery after a fall.

The real Alexa Bliss and her husband Ryan Cabrera welcomed their daughter Hendrix into the world last November. Bliss has not wrestled since January 2023 but plans to return to WWE in the future.