Full Notification

CRIME NEWS ADVISORY
SANTA FE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Public advised to be aware of phone scam representing to be law enforcement

Santa Fe, NM, January 22, 2015 - Santa Fe County Sheriff Robert A. Garcia would like to notify the public of a phone scam targeting residents of Santa Fe County that demands payment to settle a warrant. The scammers are making phone calls to their victims and identifying themselves as law enforcement personnel with the Sheriff’s Office.

According to Sheriff Garcia, “the criminals demand payment for a warrant, telling the victim that they’ve missed either jury duty or grand jury duty and that a bench warrant was issued for the individual’s arrest.” The caller then instructs the victim to get a “Green-Dot” money card, or similar card, and pre-load the card with $500.00 to pay the fine. Victims are told that if they do not pay the fine they will be arrested and booked on the warrant. “Under no circumstance, whatsoever, will the Sheriff’s Office or any Law Enforcement agency take payment over the phone or ask for any form of bond money,” said Sheriff Garcia.

The phone scam criminals are identifying themselves as “Lieutenant Tom Donaldson” or “Captain Mike Ring” with the Sheriff’s Office. Victims have told the callers perpetrating this crime that they’ll voluntarily go to the sheriff’s office or court to settle the alleged warrant, however, the male callers discourage victims by telling them that they’ll “be arrested on sight” if they pay in person and if they don’t make the payment via the instructions being given.

The phone scammers have been using (505) 231-2490 to make these calls, but other numbers may also be in operation. The public is also advised that criminals are also making phone calls claiming to be from the IRS or “Department of Legal Affairs.” Sheriff Garcia reminds the public not to become a victim “and not to provide personal information, bank information or provide payment over the phone if they are called by these crooks.”

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has received approximately 20 to 30 complaints over the past 90-days regarding this phone scam. The public is encouraged to report this scheme by contacting the county’s Regional Emergency Communications Center (RECC), via their non-emergency phone number, at 505-428-3720.