Warning: Scam Phone Calls Received by Individuals from the Public in the District of New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The United States District Court for the District of New Mexico has recently been notified of several individuals targeted with phone calls from scammers representing themselves as court personnel. The targets have been directed to report to the court to pay fines to avoid the issuance of a warrant for their arrest. Targets have also been directed to report to a fictitious “field office” to turn themselves in for crimes they were accused of.
The scam callers are becoming more sophisticated. For example, official court phone numbers (505-348-2000) and names of actual court personnel have been used in these latest scams. Targets have reported the scam callers using the names “Jason” and “Kevin”, along with providing fictitious badge numbers.
The U.S. District Court will never assess a fine or penalty via phone call without first having the person appear before a judge. Targeted individuals may also contact the United States District Court at 505-348-2000 to verify that there are no matters pending before the court in their name.
It is a crime for anyone to falsely represent himself or herself as a federal court official and such an offense is taken very seriously by the federal judiciary. Persons receiving such a telephone call should not provide the requested information or pay any fines and should contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at (505) 889-1300, selecting option #1 when prompted, to report the incident.
Stay current with the United States Courts - District of New Mexico by visiting www.nmd.uscourts.gov
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