Arizona Homeowners Targeted in Widespread Equity-Stripping Scam: What You Need to Know

A decade-long scheme has shaken Arizona’s housing landscape, leaving hundreds of homeowners devastated and state officials sounding the alarm. The state’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes, has issued a stark warning about an elaborate equity-stripping scam that’s robbed vulnerable residents of their homes under the guise of financial help

🚨 How the Scam Works

It often begins with a homeowner in financial distress maybe they’re behind on mortgage payments or facing foreclosure. That’s when a seemingly helpful company or individual steps in, offering to “save” their home. But instead of offering legitimate assistance, these scammers pressure the homeowner into signing over the deed, often without understanding the consequences.

AG Kris Mayes describes the tactics as manipulative and predatory: “Here comes a company with a nice-sounding name that says, ‘We will help you,’ and all you have to do is sign here.” In reality, those signatures transfer full ownership of homes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars for as little as $5,000 to $10,000 in cash.

🏠 Victims Share Their Stories

Claire Bataille, a longtime homeowner, shared her story with Arizona’s Family News. After buying her home in 2004, she faced foreclosure due to financial challenges. That’s when Cameron Jones of “Arizona’s Helping Hands” appeared, promising assistance.

“I thought he was such a wonderful person at the time,” she said. “It was only a loan.”

Instead, she unknowingly signed away her home. What followed was an eviction notice, a virtual court date, and an overwhelming sense of betrayal. “He’s taken far more than my home my memories, my heart,” she told reporters.

🏛️ Legal Action and Scope of the Scheme

Mayes has now filed a civil lawsuit against 70 defendants, including Jones and another alleged ringleader, Samuel Sutton. The case accuses them of consumer fraud and racketeering. It alleges that the network includes title companies, lawyers, and fake nonprofits working together to execute these fraudulent transfers.

The full scope of the scam may be staggering. Mayes estimates that it could involve hundreds if not thousands of Arizona homeowners. So far, around 30 properties involved in the current case may still be recoverable.

Another victim, Carolyn Singer, was nearly caught in the scam. Facing foreclosure due to a paperwork issue on her reverse mortgage, she encountered Jones and his team. “He said he could help get it out of foreclosure,” she recalled. “Of course, he wanted me to sign some papers.”

Fortunately, someone from the real estate industry intervened in time.

⚠️ How to Protect Yourself from Equity-Stripping Scams

If you’re a homeowner at risk of foreclosure, be cautious. Here are key tips to protect yourself:

• Avoid unsolicited offers to “save” your home.
• Don’t pay up-front fees. The FTC says it’s illegal to charge before you receive written loan relief from your lender.
• Never sign documents under pressure.
• Question any company with an overly generic or official-sounding name.
• Check your home’s market value. Use trusted sites like Zillow, or consult a licensed real estate agent.
• Consult a real estate attorney before signing anything.

“This is about more than fraud,” says Mayes. “It’s about stealing security, dignity, and the dreams people have built in their homes.”

📞 Report Suspicious Activity

If you or someone you know suspects fraud, report it to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office at 602-542-5763 or online at the AG’s official website.