Cases by state
Ponzi schemes in New Mexico
3 cases announced 2011–2024, involving about $96.2M in reported investor money. Most common types: trading, forex & commodities and real estate. Listed by where the main defendant was based.
The largest by reported amount: Vaughan Company Realtors ($76M, 2011). Charges are allegations unless a court has entered a conviction or judgment.
Pitch phrases seen in these cases
- “42% annual rate of return over 20 years”
- “developed a sophisticated algorithm for trading stocks and bonds”
- “actually or virtually risk-free”
- “guaranteed rate of return”
Cases
| Date | Case | Location | Industry | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3, 2024 | Personal Money Management Co. John Lopez |
NM | Trading, forex & commodities | $19.4M |
| Dec 10, 2019 | Westend Investments Douglas Lien |
Santa Fe, NM | Trading, forex & commodities | $827,650 |
| Feb 25, 2011 | Vaughan Company Realtors Douglas F. Vaughan |
Albuquerque, NM | Real estate | $76M |