A Southern California woman was arrested for allegedly scamming victims out of thousands of dollars through a Ponzi scheme.
The woman was identified as Consuelo Carrasco-Ramirez, 53, of Hemet, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began in April when deputies were contacted by a victim who had been scammed.
After speaking with the victim, detectives determined seven people had allegedly been targeted by Carrasco-Ramirez and lured into investing thousands of dollars into a wholesale avocado business.
The woman reportedly targeted members of the Hispanic community and, in some cases, threatened to have them deported. The seven victims collectively gave the suspect around $195,000 during the scheme.
“Instead of investing the victim’s money as promised, Carrasco-Ramirez used the money for personal benefit,” authorities said.
Following an investigation, on Aug. 20, Carrasco-Ramirez was arrested for theft by false pretenses, grand theft and passing counterfeit checks. She was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center and is being held on $193,000 bail.
Investigators believe there may be more victims who were targeted by Carrasco-Ramirez.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Investigator Lance Colmer at 951-776-1099 or the Perris Sheriff’s Station at 951-210-1000.
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