Beware of Warrant-Clear Scam

A local woman fell victim to a warrant-clear scam and Las Cruces police are warning others to be aware of this and other deceitful ruses.

The woman claimed to receive a private-number telephone call from someone who identified himself as a law enforcement officer and provided a realistic name and badge number. The caller said the woman had an outstanding warrant, for failing to appear to jury duty, that could be resolved if she transferred $400 to him. Otherwise, she faced the possibility of being arrested.

Unfortunately, the woman complied with the caller and electronically transferred $400 to him using a method that’s difficult to track. It wasn’t until after the call ended that she realized the interaction was likely a scam.

Police and courts will never call and demand money to resolve a warrant. Anyone who receives such a call is encouraged to simply hang up. Individuals can call Central Dispatch at (575) 526-0795 to verify if any call or contact from law enforcement is legitimate.

In the last few days, Las Cruces police have received reports of other incidents that have scammed – or attempted to scam – residents.

Tips that can help keep you safe from financial scams:

• Never provide personal or financial information to anyone you do not know.
• Always reconcile checkbooks and review financial transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution.
• Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who calls, messages or otherwise contacts you unsolicited.
• Never give your passwords or personal identification numbers to anyone.
• Do not send cash, checks or otherwise wire-transfer funds to anyone you do not know and trust.
• Do not engage in conversation with unsolicited callers.
• If some unknown person, claiming to be from a financial institution or utility, provides a phone number for you to call, do not call that number. Instead, call the number on your billing statement or a known phone number for that organization.
• Do not open attachments or links sent to you via text or direct message unless you are certain of the source.
• Block telephone numbers and social media pages that appear to be suspicious.
• Report suspicious social media accounts using the platform’s security tools.
• Share these tips with friends and relatives – especially the elderly – to ensure they understand and avoid financial pitfalls.
• Check often with older relatives to ensure their finances are in order.

Call police immediately if you have fallen victim to a scam or fraudulent activity.