HEMET, CA — A Southern California woman, identified as Consuelo Carrasco-Ramirez, 53, was arrested for allegedly orchestrating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded victims out of nearly $200,000, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began in April, after a victim in Perris reported being scammed. Detectives soon discovered that at least seven individuals were allegedly lured by Carrasco-Ramirez into investing thousands in what she claimed was a wholesale avocado business.
Authorities say Carrasco-Ramirez targeted members of the Hispanic community, using threats of deportation in some cases to pressure victims. Instead of investing the funds, she allegedly used the money for personal gain.
In total, the seven victims gave her around $195,000.
On August 20, Carrasco-Ramirez was arrested and charged with:
Theft by false pretenses
Grand theft
Passing counterfeit checks
She is currently being held at the Cois Byrd Detention Center on $193,000 bail.
Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
