BREAKING: Four Arrested & Indicted in Craigslist Employment Scam Targeting College Students

PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced a State Grand Jury indicted four individuals in connection with a Craigslist employment and credit improvement scam. Twelve victims have been identified. Most of the victims were in their twenties and looking for part-time work while going to school.

This morning, AZAG Special Agents arrested Brothers Aaron Blodgett and Matthew Blodgett, and their associates Zoran Vuckovic and Damir Karadascevic. The defendants allegedly posted “help wanted ads” on Craigslist for clerical and administrative jobs.  Those who responded to the ads were interviewed and told they needed better credit to get the job. Some victims were told they needed better credit scores because all employees were considered investors in the company.

The defendants allegedly encouraged the victims to obtain loans from various banks and provide the loan money to the defendants. The victims claim the defendants told them they would repay the loans and help improve the victims’ credit.  The defendants allegedly provided the victims with fake pay stubs and scripts of what to tell the banks. 

According to the indictment, after the victims obtained loans and provided the money to the defendants, the defendants failed to pay the loans off. The loans soon went into default and the victims’ credit scores deteriorated. More than $118,000 was allegedly stolen from the 12 victims. The employment opportunities reportedly did not involve legitimate businesses.

All four defendants are facing charges of Conspiracy, Illegally Conducting an Enterprise, Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, Theft, and Securities Fraud.  Additionally, the Blodgett Brothers are charged with the sale of unregistered securities, transactions by unregistered dealers and salesmen, and money laundering. 

Special Agent Annalisa Madsen of the Arizona Attorney General's Office Special Investigation Section investigated this case.

Assistant Attorney General Andy Kvesic is prosecuting this matter. 

All defendants are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.

For additional information, members of the media may contact Mia Garcia, Director of Media Relations at (602) 339-5895 or [email protected].