Full Notification

COUNTY RESIDENTS SCAMMED FOR LARGE SUMS OF MONEY
Recent victims scammed out of nearly $50,000 in total

Santa Fe, NM, April 24, 2018 – Criminals have once again struck in Santa Fe County scamming three county residents out of nearly $50,000. In separate fraud crimes three victims have reported being defrauded out of $30,000, $13,200 and $4,000 respectively.

In one incident a 74-year-old woman was contacted by scammers who represented that they were affiliated with a timeshare property the woman owned an interest in. The criminals indicated they had an offer to sell some of the woman’s share of time in the condo and in return she’d make money for the shares she agreed to rent. However, in order to move forward with the transaction, the victim was required to pay various types of fees, such as: maintenance, state taxes, attorney, notary and accountant fees. She was told these fees were required up front. The total amount transferred by the victim was nearly $30,000. When the victim contacted the property management they advised her that the company was never involved in such a business practice.

In another case reported to the sheriff’s office, which occurred in February 2018, a 79 year-old woman received a phone call and was told she was the recipient of a $290,000 monetary award but in order to receive the money she needed to send in a certain amount to receive the awaiting funds. The victim sent the scammers $13, 200 in cashier’s checks. She never received her money award. She was scammed.

On April 23, 2018, a 69-year-old male was contacted by scammers who told the victim that an arrest warrant was pending for his apprehension for failing to attend a court ordered program. The victim was advised that in order to avoid arrest he needed to pay a fee of $4,000. The male sent in $4,000, believing he was going to be arrested. Afterward he was contacted for additional money he contacted sheriff’s deputies.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff strongly advises residents not to respond to any callers purporting to have an award of money for the individual, or if the caller is posing as someone from law enforcement or the government.

Phone scam criminals con people using fear or presenting a scenario that’s too good to be true. Under no circumstance will any law enforcement agency, court official or IRS employee call and request money over the phone. Do not send any money to these callers and avoid becoming a victim.

To report a crime contact the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office at (505) 428-3720.