Investors in 28 allegedly fraudulent mining claims...

Investors in 28 allegedly fraudulent mining claims in six Western states and Canada have sunk an estimated $26 million in what Nevada authorities said is a scam. Sixty different companies, most operating out of southern Nevada, allegedly have sold supposedly gold-rich ore or interest in non-existent mines to bilk investors, Nevada Secretary of State Frankie Sue Del Papa said. Del Papa gave no estimate of how many investors might be involved, although she said officials believe that about half of them are from Nevada. She would not identify any companies involved, saying that would come when there are indictments or prosecutions.