Scammer gets $39,000 after posing as Randy Owens, lead singer in band Alabama

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A 73-year-old resident of Waverly was the victim of a scam for around nine months. She sent $39,000 to a scammer identifying himself as Randy Owens, the lead singer in a band named Alabama.

The victim withdrew money from her account that she was receiving from her social security checks. She would purchase gift cards and send the information of each one to the scammer.

Chief Deputy Houchin with Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said this type of scam keeps repeatedly happening.

“Stars will not ask you for money, especially through gift cards,” Houchin said. “We’re not going to be able to get this money back and it’s sad.”

Houchin said the real Randy Owens has tried to spread the news about this scam, as it has been going on for a while.

The victim and scammer had communications from Sep. 2025 to June 2026. It is unknown how many times the victim sent money as of now.

Houchin urged people to take care of themselves and relatives.

“If you have relatives that you think are doing something like this, please step in,” Houchin said. “The banks can question it but they can’t keep people from their money.”