Chase Bank, Birmingham Police Educate Seniors About Ways to Avoid Being Scammed
By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
Denise Biddings was among more than several dozen seniors at the Five Points West Library on Wednesday learning how to avoid falling victim to scammers. But she also shared an alarming story.
“My husband was a victim of a gift card scam for [a large retailer,]” she said. “We lost almost $600.”
Biddings wasn’t the only one in the room targeted by scammers. Many in attendance, and even some of the speakers, shared similar experiences.
Chase Bank and the Birmingham Police Department hosted an education event about common scams that threaten everyone, but seniors most of all.
They heard from Chase Community Manager Geno Gardner, who frequently provides scam and fraud prevention education, Birmingham Police Officer La Vanna Williams, community engagement officer and Nia Bibbs, community relations specialist for Archwell Health.
Seniors are often targeted because scammers believe they may be more trusting, less familiar with new technology, or more financially stable, Gardner said.
He added, “loneliness can make them vulnerable to romance or impersonation scams. And there is one more element: Many seniors want to be helpful. They see a need, and want to fill it.”
Williams said her office has seen numerous instances where people are getting phone calls from people who they don’t know impersonating law enforcement officers. “Some actually say that they have a warrant out for their arrests,” she said.
Bibbs said the “climate of today” has created more fraud and scams.
“There’s just plenty of opportunities and different methods,” she said. “[Scammers] are getting very, very savvy and very smart … It is important for just regular citizens to stay vigilant and diligent in protecting themselves and their assets.”
So, what can seniors, and people in general, do?
“Always be cautious if the caller pressures you to act immediately or asks for personal info like Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords,” Gardner said. “Legitimate organizations won’t demand this over the phone. For instance, your bank will not call you at your senior center or on your cell phone.”
He advised, “Hang up and verify by calling the official number listed on your statement, your credit or debit card, or the company’s website.”
He also encouraged family members to help keep their seniors safe from scams.
“Encourage them to speak to you before sending money to anyone,” he said. “And if someone ever asks them to do something and keep it a secret from their family or caregivers – that is the reddest flag of them all. Hang up and call your family.”
Williams said, “be cognitive of what and who you give your information to. I can’t stress that enough. Your information is your information. That’s your identifiable information. Don’t give it away. And especially to someone you don’t know.”
After the session ended, Biddings, the attendee said, “Events like today are helping to educate the community. People need to know. When you’re just doing everyday things, things pop up on the computer, do not answer them.”
The 
Collins Jr., was first elected in 2013 and re-elected in subsequent terms, including a narrow runoff victory in 2021. A Birmingham native and Huffman High School graduate, Collins earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Samford University. He is the owner of Scollin and Associates Insurance Agency LLC and a majority stakeholder in NewComers Realty LLC. He also volunteers as a basketball coach at Sun Valley Elementary, participates in scouting activities, and is a member of Geometry Lodge No. 410 AF&AM.
“Pattie” Reasor is a seasoned educator, who has served as a math teacher at Huffman High School. Her background includes active involvement in youth development, notably as an assistant coach for the Alabama Fusion Select 15U girls’ basketball team. Her campaign is driven by her belief that every child in the community deserves a high-quality, equitable education and platform emphasizes community engagement, educational equity, and student empowerment, reflecting her commitment to fostering positive change in Birmingham’s public schools.
While specific details about his background and platform are limited, Umrani has previously been involved in educational initiatives, including a 2016 campaign for the New Orleans Parish School Board in Louisiana, where he challenged the incumbent. His current campaign in Birmingham suggests a continued commitment to educational service and community engagement.
A Birmingham native, Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Miles College and a master’s in public administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her career includes service in the U.S. Army, roles in public health and corrections, and leadership positions in educational advocacy organizations such as the Black Alliance for Educational Options and Nashville Rise. In 2017, she founded Black Alabamians for Education to champion educational equity and parental engagement. Elected to the school board in 2021, her campaign focuses on the “Parents, Policy, and Partnerships” framework, aiming to enhance parental involvement, implement effective policies, and foster partnerships that provide students with meaningful educational experiences.
Michal is a former member of the Birmingham Board of Education, representing District 2 from 2017 until 2021. Elected in a closely contested race in 2017, she served a four-year term before being unseated by Williams in the 2021 election. During her tenure, Michal was a staunch advocate for public education, opposing the expansion of charter schools in Birmingham and promoting increased investment in mental health resources, social-emotional learning, and workforce development programs within the school system. She is the founder of Support Our Students (SOS), a grassroots organization focused on educational equity, and has held leadership roles in national advocacy groups such as the Badass Teachers Association (BATs).
Incumbent Mary D. Boehm is unopposed.
With a background in education and workforce development, Billups has served as the Director of Education and Workforce Development at the Woodlawn Foundation from 2019 to 2021. His prior experience includes roles as a science teacher and assistant principal in the Birmingham, Jefferson County, and Hoover school systems between 2005 and 2019. Billups holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama (1998), a master’s in divinity from Samford University (2004), and a master’s in education from the University of Alabama (2012). As a board member, Billups advocates for increased accountability, transparency, and community engagement within the school system, emphasizing academic innovation, student preparedness for college and careers, and improved school safety.
A Birmingham native, Huntley brings over 27 years of experience in the Alabama Department of Corrections, retiring as the warden of the Childersburg Community Work Center in 2010. He holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Jefferson State Community College, and both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Faulkner University in human resources and management, respectively . Huntley has been actively involved in civic affairs, serving as president of the Maple Grove Neighborhood Association. His political experience includes previous campaigns for the Birmingham City Council, Alabama House of Representatives, and Alabama State Senate.
Incumbent James A. Sullivan is unopposed.
Harvill grew up in coastal Virginia and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Virginia Commonwealth University. After working as a pharmaceutical research scientist, she relocated to Birmingham to pursue a master’s degree in medical science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and since has been involved in education and community service, serving as an assistant program director at UAB and director of children and youth for Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. She is also the founding executive director of the Sixth Avenue Community Development Corporation, where she has implemented programs that provided over 40,000 meals to children during the COVID-19 pandemic and established a student center for remote learners.
A Birmingham native and graduate of A.H. Parker High School, Williams served over six years in the U.S. Navy before earning a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Miles College and a master’s degree in education, along with an education specialist degree, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With more than 25 years of experience in education, he has spent the past two decades as an assistant principal, currently serving at Green Acres Middle School Williams is also the founder of Birmingham Magic Lacrosse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding athletic opportunities for youth.
Incumbent Walter “Big Walt” Wilson is unopposed.
A graduate of the Birmingham City Schools’ Dropout Recovery Program, Womack went on to earn degrees in business administration from Columbia Southern University and now works as a freelance paralegal and president of the Ensley Highlands Neighborhood Association. His campaign focuses on improving student mental health, increasing parental involvement, and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer funds. A former high school dropout who turned his life around, Womack is committed to supporting non-traditional students and creating equitable education opportunities. If elected, he would become the first openly gay Black man to hold public office in Alabama, a historic milestone recognized by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
With over 20 years of experience working in schools and community programs, Bass has been involved in supporting youth and families in Birmingham. Bass is the founder of Virtuous Realty Global, a real estate firm, and has a background in multifamily property management. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her 29-year-old son in 2020, have fueled her commitment to creating safer and more supportive environments for children. As a mother of Birmingham City Schools graduates, Bass emphasizes the importance of community engagement, educational equity, and student well-being in her campaign.
With a background in public housing, Foy serves as an Assistant Asset Manager at the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, where she interprets and administers HUD regulations and PHA policy . Foy’s campaign aims to bring together families and schools. Foy says her experience in public service and commitment to community outreach makes her a dedicated advocate for educational advancement in Birmingham.
A Birmingham native and graduate of Jackson-Olin High School, Hall served in the U.S. Army and Alabama National Guard, including deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Miles College in 2018 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Alabama A&M University. Hall serves as an associate minister at Peace Missionary Baptist Church and has held roles such as outreach director for the Alabama Voter’s Coalition and community liaison for the Birmingham City Council. He is co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Birmingham chapter and organized the “Camp Noah” program for children affected by the 2011 tornadoes. He’s also received the A.G. Gaston Community Service Award in 2016.
A Birmingham native and graduate of Wenonah High School, Parnell has been involved in local politics and community service. Parnell’s campaign emphasizes community engagement, as demonstrated by his organization of events providing free haircuts, school supplies, and game cards to local youth. His platform focuses on enhancing educational opportunities and fostering stronger connections between schools and the communities they serve.
McGaha has a long-standing connection to Birmingham City Schools, having worked within the system before retiring. McGaha pursued higher education at Alabama State University and Mississippi Valley State University, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and professional development. Her candidacy is driven by a dedication to public education and a desire to continue serving the Birmingham community. While specific details about her campaign platform are not publicly available, her background suggests a focus on educational improvement and community engagement.
She remembers being tormented at the age of 10 while she was away at summer camp that continued through middle school, high school, and her college years. The bullying worsened to physical harassment and eventually, Duncan was able to muster up the courage to explain the situation to her mother, who already knew what was happening due to experiencing bullying herself.
This summer, she was able to use her status at Miss Samford to participate in Miss Alabama pageant, which was memorable, she said.
