FBI Warns Michigan Woman Claiming to Be Aviation Heiress Is Actually a Con Artist

A Michigan native who's been getting coast-to-coast news coverage is on the FBI's most wanted list.

The FBI is accusing Mary Carole McDonnell of passing herself off as a "wealthy heiress" related to an aviation family with the same last name and claiming to have access to a "secret trust" worth $80 million.

The 73-year-old's real secret? She's a con artist, the FBI said. The feds are accusing her of stealing at least $30 million. $14.7 million alone came from the Banc of California. She may now be in Dubai.

The New York Post dubbed her a "fake airline heiress." A California TV news station pointed out she actually is a former CEO—she headed the now-defunct Bellum Entertainment in Burbank, California, a company that produced true crime TV shows. Including one called "I Married a Murderer."

The Real McDonnell Family

There really was a James McDonnell who became an aviator and wealthy businessman. He founded McDonnell Aircraft, which became McDonnell Douglas and is now part of Boeing.

There's a McDonnell foundation, a charitable organization based in St. Louis aimed at enhancing economic mobility. Several McDonnells, including James S. McDonnell III, are on its board.

So, the family she's claiming to be part of? Real. Very real. And very wealthy. Her connection to them? Not real.

How the Scam Worked

To warn potential marks—and help apprehend her—the FBI posted McDonnell's name and an image of her grinning to social media. They pointed out that, like other con artists, she may be using other names.

McDonnell's wanted poster lists aliases: Mary Carole Carroll, Mary Carol McDonnell, Mary Carroll McDonnell, Mary C. Carroll, Mary Carroll McDonald.

The FBI information doesn't specify which Michigan community McDonnell was originally from, but it details some of her schemes, noting they go back to 2017 when she targeted the Banc of California. She's been charged with bank fraud and identity theft.

The Holidays Are Prime Scam Season

The holidays are a popular time for scams, the FBI notes. People are distracted, spending money, making donations, and trusting strangers more than usual. Perfect conditions for someone claiming to be a wealthy heiress with access to a secret $80 million trust.

The FBI's post seemed more aimed at protecting people from getting scammed than warning about threats of violence. If information leads to her arrest, she could be brought to justice.

What to Look For

If you happen to run into Mary McDonnell—or someone claiming to be wealthy and matching her description—the FBI wants to know.

Blonde, blue eyes, 5 feet 7 inches tall, about 145 pounds, with a scar on her right knee. Birthday December 28.

Again, possibly in Dubai. But con artists move around.

The Reality

A 73-year-old woman from Michigan convinced people she was related to the McDonnell aviation fortune.

She ran a company that produced true crime TV shows. Including one about marrying a murderer. Then she became the subject of her own true crime story. She's on the FBI's most wanted list and may be in Dubai.

The real McDonnell family is legitimate and wealthy. She's not related to them. The $80 million trust doesn't exist. The whole thing was a con. And it worked. For years. To the tune of at least $30 million.

If someone approaches you claiming to be a wealthy heiress with access to a secret trust, maybe don't hand them millions of dollars.

The FBI is asking anyone with information to contact them. Because Mary Carole McDonnell—or whatever name she's using now—is still out there. Possibly coming up with her next con.

Share this story to help others recognize high-dollar fraud schemes and avoid becoming the next victim.