Jen Shah, a former star of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” has publicly apologised to the victims of the telemarketing fraud scheme in which she was involved. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, her first since being placed under home confinement in December 2025, Shah expressed her commitment to making amends and paying restitution to those harmed by her actions.
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An admission of regret marked Shah’s conversation with PEOPLE, where she stated, “I’d like to say that I’m sorry. I’m here and accepting responsibility, and I’ve made it my mission as part of my consequences to make sure that people are paid back.” This statement came nearly three years after she was arrested in March 2021 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Shah pleaded guilty in 2022, acknowledging her part in a scheme that targeted thousands of victims, including many elderly individuals.
Prosecutors depicted Shah as a key figure in the operation, which involved selling so-called business services that often provided little to no value, leading many victims to be charged repeatedly. An integral aspect of the case was the devastating impact on the victims, who were misled by salespeople working for the fraudulent operation. In her remarks, however, Shah contested the portrayal of her role, claiming she was not directly involved with the victims and only learned of their plight during the trial preparations.
Defending herself, Shah conveyed that she was previously employed as a W-2 worker for a fulfilment company, insisting that she merely followed orders from her employers. “I thought I was doing the right thing for the majority of the time,” she asserted, reflecting on her lack of diligence concerning the broader consequences of her actions.
Shah’s claims, however, run counter to the characterisation made by prosecutors, who contended that she knowingly engaged in deceptive practices and took measures to conceal her criminal enterprise. They cited evidence of her directing others to mislead authorities, setting up businesses under different names, and attempting to hide incriminating evidence from investigators.
Victim impact statements submitted during her sentencing reveal the profound suffering experienced by those defrauded. Many victims described financial losses that shattered their lives, with one stating that a loss of $30,000 led to homelessness. Another victim recounted ongoing emotional distress caused by the deception, highlighting the long-lasting repercussions of Shah’s fraudulent actions.
Shah has stated that confronting these statements shifted her perspective on the consequences of her actions. “I saw for the first time that there were people who were hurt — that there were actual victims,” she reflected, explaining how this revelation contributed to her decision to plead guilty. Acknowledging the plight of her victims, she has expressed a desire to take responsibility for the impact of her actions.
As part of her sentencing, Shah was ordered to pay over $6.6 million in restitution, a responsibility she says she is working to fulfil. She acknowledged her failure to adhere to due diligence and extended her apologies to those affected. “I’m so sorry for not doing my part,” Shah added, asserting that all involved in the scheme should strive to rectify the harm caused.
Now adjusting to life under home confinement, Shah emphasised her focus on making amends and moving forward with integrity. When asked about potential forgiveness from her victims, she responded thoughtfully, noting that the decision to forgive rests solely with them. “All I can do is be true to my word, move forward with integrity and show others that I have learned from my past,” she stated.
Shah’s interview sheds light on her intention to reform as she continues to navigate the aftermath of her criminal conviction. The full details of her journey and further insights can be found in the upcoming issue of PEOPLE magazine, set to hit newsstands soon.