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.