ELOY, Ariz. — Six people were arrested this week for allegedly partaking in a scam that tricked Arizonans to purchase gold in order to pay off debts.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said at least 10 people in the state lost money in the fraudulent scheme that involved a company called “Debt 2 Credit Associates.”
Victims were contacted by company associates who claimed to be part of a government grant program that helps citizens pay off debts. DPS said victims were instructed to buy and mail gold to addresses in Arizona.
The investigation into the scheme began last month after suspicious documents were found in the cells of an Eloy prison.
DPS said victims collectively lost between $500,000 and $600,000.
The suspects allegedly tied to the scam have been booked into the Maricopa County jail.
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