Police Warn of ‘Threat to Harm’ Scam Telephone Calls
Police are warning residents of a scam that appears to target businesses and includes telephonic threats to pay an unspecified amount of money or face the consequences of being physically harmed.
Las Cruces police have received at least three such reports of the scam. No money has been lost and no harm has come to those who failed to comply with the illegal demands.
In at least one of the threats, the caller claimed to be a member of a cartel and demanded money from a business. The caller indicated the business, or its employees, would be harmed if their demands were not met.
Police recommend following basic safety tips if you receive such a threatening call or message:
• Write down the telephone number of the caller, refrain from responding and hang up.
• If possible, block the phone number or refrain from answering follow-up calls.
• Do not provide personal or financial information, about you or your business, to the caller.
• Do not agree to meet with the caller.
• Do not return calls to the perpetrator or use any contact details they may provide.
• Do not respond to texts, emails or social media messages. If you do, scammers may escalate their intimidation and their attempts at gaining compliance.
• Do not send money, gift cards, bank card details or online account information to anyone you do not trust.
• Immediately call 911 if you receive such a threat or harassing call.
