Police arrest local man who scammed 58 people, searching for more victims

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – The East Providence Police Department reports the arrest of Anthony DeBarros, Age 57. of Seth Street in East Providence. DeBarros is charged with Obtaining Money under False Pretenses and Unlawful Appropriation.

The arrest stemmed from an investigation where DeBarros falsely arranged a vacation to Aruba for 58 people, with each person paying DeBarros $1,000 for the trip. As the date of the trip neared, no one received an itinerary from DeBarros. DeBarros either did not return the victim’s calls or provided them with false information.

Several reported to the East Providence police that they may have been scammed and an investigation was opened by the Detective Division. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the vacation the victims paid for and expected to go on was, in fact, a scam. The vacation had never been booked and DeBarros never planned on actually booking any trip. DeBarros informed detectives that he used the money to pay bills and make purchases for his own good.

DeBarros was arrested on Saturday, Oct. 12.

The investigation is ongoing as there are many more victims still filing complaints. Additional charges may be pending.

If anyone believes they are a victim of a possible scam by DeBarros, they are urged to contact the East Providence Police Department’s Detective Division at 401-435-7600 or their local police department.