Tuesday, December 20, 2011

SEC Halts Father-Son Ponzi Scheme in Utah Involving Purported Real Estate Investments

The SEC charged a father and son in Utah with securities fraud for selling purported investments in their real estate business that in reality was just a $220 million Ponzi scheme.
It is alleged that the father and son operated from a base in Fountain Green, Utah. They offered investors the opportunity to invest in LLCs to share ownership of large apartment complexes in eight states. The investors were solicited by word of mouth and through religious affiliation. The duo presented plans to buy apartment complexes, renovate and revamp, and then sell for a high profit. The investors were told they would share in the profit from the sales and also from rental income. The truth of the matter was that the investors money was really being depositing into large bank accounts, which were used for company and personal expenses, and to pay other investors. Since the complaint has been filed, the SEC obtained an emergency court order freezing the father and son's assets and companies. The scheme began in 2008 and involved 225 investors and more than $220 million.


SEC Halts Father-Son Ponzi Scheme in Utah Involving Purported Real Estate Investments