SW New Mexico News

A scam targeting Las Cruces residents has recently come to light, prompting local police to issue a warning. The scam involves a caller posing as a law enforcement officer, claiming that the target has an outstanding warrant. The scammer then tries to persuade the victim to transfer money to clear the warrant.

Las Cruces police documented an incident where a woman received a call from a purported officer who provided what seemed to be a legitimate name and badge number. The caller informed her of an outstanding warrant related to her alleged failure to appear for jury duty, demanding $400 to resolve the issue and avoid arrest. The woman transferred the money but later suspected she had been deceived.

Authorities emphasized that neither police nor courts demand money for clearing warrants over the phone. Citizens are advised to disconnect calls of this nature and verify the legitimacy of any law enforcement contact by calling Central Dispatch at (575) 526-0795.

There have been additional reported attempts to scam individuals in the area. Residents are encouraged to be cautious with personal and financial information and to follow several protective measures.

Key recommendations include not sharing financial details with unknown individuals, verifying contact information provided by callers, refusing unsolicited attachments and links, and reporting suspicious activities. The police urge residents to share these safety tips, particularly with older family members, to help prevent financial exploitation. In cases of suspected scams, contacting the police immediately is advised.

Las Cruces police continue to receive reports and work to alert the community to these fraudulent activities.