The Baker Estate Scam in Alabama

People in Alabama are being targeted by the “Baker estate” scam again, which falsely promises inheritance claims and leads victims to lose money and personal records. We all should be extremely cautious if contacted regarding a supposed share in the "Baker estate," as this long-running hoax has victimized countless people for over a century.​ The insidious nature of this scam relies on the fact that it is being perpetrated using various surnames--it could be called "The Stanley Estate Scam."

What Is the "Baker Estate" Scam?

The scam claims that the estate of Colonel Jacob Baker, who allegedly died in the early 1800s, is unclaimed and worth millions or even billions of dollars. Scammers contact individuals with the Baker surname or claim ancestral connections, inviting them to join associations or legal efforts to "unlock" their share of the inheritance. Victims are asked to pay various fees for genealogical research, association membership, or legal assistance. I believe that my father fell for this scam about 15 years ago (when he was 75) and paid for genealogical research into our family.

How the Scam Works

• Victims are told they are heirs: Scammers convince people they might be related to the Baker family (or your family name) and entitled to a share in the fictitious estate.

• Requests for money: People are pressured into paying for fees, false legal expenses, or genealogical reports supposedly needed for the claim.

• Fabricated documents: Fake wills, maps, and property lists are used to bolster the illusion of legitimacy, sometimes including landmarks like Independence Hall in Philadelphia or valuable mineral rights.

• Ruined lives: Some victims reported losing homes, farms, or life savings, misled by the convincing documentation and persistent stories.​

  
  

Warning Signs for Alabama Residents

• No real Baker estate exists: Official investigations and historical research confirm that there is no legitimate Baker estate and no money to claim; all offers are fraudulent.​

• Recurring fees and requests: Any request to send money, personal information, family records, or legal documents in pursuit of the "estate" is a red flag for fraud.​

• Fake associations: Organizations or groups offering progress reports or demanding fees for “association” membership are part of the scam.​

  
  

What To Do If Contacted

• Do not give money or information: Never send money or provide personal records to anyone claiming to represent the Baker estate.

• Report the scam: Notify local law enforcement and the Alabama attorney general if you are contacted.

• Spread awareness: Inform relatives and neighbors, especially elderly relatives and those interested in genealogy and family history, as these communities are common targets.

The "Baker estate" scam is a notorious, well-documented fraud that has resurfaced in Alabama and other states for generations. You should stay alert, safeguard their money and records, and avoid any participation in schemes promising inheritance from any estate unless you can confirm it is coming from an attorney licensed with the Alabama Bar Association (Member Search).