A
rizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced a lawsuit against Edward Trenton Albarracin and Gretchen Marie Zamjahn, who allegedly operated a predatory real estate scheme targeting elderly Arizonans in financial distress. The duo, operating under various misleading names such as "Hands with Hope," advertised themselves as professionals who could help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

    However, instead of providing assistance, the pair duped homeowners into signing over their deeds to their homes. They claimed they would bring mortgages up to date and allow homeowners to stay in their properties, but in reality, they transferred the deeds into shell companies controlled by Albarracin. Zamjahn notarized these transactions illegally.

    The victims were then misled into filing false bankruptcy cases, prolonging the scam. Mayes stated that these scammers targeted elderly Arizonans who were already struggling and used lies, shell companies, and illegal notarizations to carry out their scheme.

    Given the scope of the operation and concerns over Albarracin's financial situation, the Arizona Attorney General's Office sought an emergency receivership over all of his assets. A judge granted this request, appointing a receiver to secure assets including real estate, vehicles, and bank accounts. Zamjahn has agreed to cooperate with the receiver and provide information on any unknown assets.

    Mayes is seeking restitution for the victims, civil penalties against the duo, and a permanent injunction banning them from buying or selling real estate in Arizona again. She urges anyone who believes they've been victimized to contact her office immediately.