An Atlanta woman is speaking out after losing her entire life savings in what she describes as a fraudulent investment scheme. Monticha Hawkins claims that she and three friends were swindled out of a combined 80,000 dollars after being lured into an oil and gas venture by her former business partner, Vincent Carter. Trusting a man she had known for years, Hawkins handed over her savings under the promise that the group would eventually see a massive return totaling 800,000 dollars.
The situation turned sour when February arrived and the promised payouts failed to materialize. Hawkins says she spent weeks pleading for answers, attempting to track down her money through repeated phone calls. In one recorded conversation, Carter reportedly assured the investors they would be paid back by the end of the month, claiming he was refinancing his home to cover the costs. However, those payments never came, and communication eventually ceased entirely, leading Hawkins to file a formal police report against her former associate.
Further investigation reveals troubling discrepancies regarding the nature of the investment. While Carter pitched an energy play, records show that funds were directed toward Ward Holdings International LLC, a Michigan-based company whose own website focuses on agriculture and economic development rather than oil and gas. When contacted for comment on these allegations, Carter declined an on-camera interview and offered no further explanation beyond a brief statement of no comment.
The fallout from the loss has been devastating for Hawkins’ household, creating an emotional burden alongside the financial ruin. She shared that her boyfriend has been forced to take on extra work just to keep them afloat while they grapple with the disappearance of their security. Her story serves as a cautionary tale echoed by federal regulators who warn consumers to remain skeptical of any investment promising unusually high returns without verified licensing or transparent registration.