Oregon Conman Targeting Elderly Women Faces $1.7 Million in Debts After U.S. Trustee Program Exposes Fraudulent Scheme

An Oregon man, who used investments he solicited for his personal use while working as a door-to-door salesman and then tried to evade arrest by filing for bankruptcy, has been thwarted the U.S. Trustee Program.

His Plan Was Exposed After Filing for Bankruptcy

Jason Gillis (52) mainly defrauded elderly women and after filing for bankruptcy was exposed by the U.S. Trustee Program, a bankruptcy system watchdog committed to uncovering deceptive schemes that prey on innocent victims.

Gillis, who sold vacuum cleaners and related products as a door-to-door salesman, induced a 79-year-old victim to invest in his business – Fresh Air, LLC – between November 2022 and February 2023.

His victim was recovering from a stroke and transferred over $100,000 into his bank account after mortgaging her home.

According to court testimony, Gillis then forged her signature on a document declaring her the sole member and manager of the company which he filed with the Oregon Secretary of State.

He used some of the funds to rent an RV from another elderly victim in which he lived. He then stopped making monthly payments on the lease agreement and refused to reveal the location of the vehicle.

Further testimony was that Gillis submitted new documents to the Oregon Secretary of State in July and September 2023, stating that two new people were the sole members and managers of Fresh Air, LLC. The people mentioned were unaware of his actions.

Attorneys for the U.S. Trustee Program say that by concealing that he was the owner of the business, Gillis tried to hinder and delay creditors attempting to collect debts.

Gillis registered several businesses in Oregon between 2013 and 2024, according to court records.

Faces Unpaid Debts Amounting to More Than $1.7 Million

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a default judgment in favor of the trustees after Hill failed to defend or respond to the complaint, leaving him personally liable for debts amounting to over $1.7 million.