Scams and Fraud
Have you been cheated out of your hard-earned dollars? Learn how to protect yourself from some common consumer scams, including credit repair and debt relief scams, tax scams, pyramid schemes, and many more. At the Office of the Attorney General we collect and use scam reports to help alert others, and we encourage you to report your scam.
Scam Alert Notices
In partnership with Aging and Long-Term Services, the NM Office of the Attorney General has established Scam Alert notifications.
Please fill out the form below if you wish to receive Scam Alert notices.
Equifax Data Breach
Equifax, one of the three major credit reporting agencies in the U.S., announced a data breach that affects 143 million consumers. The hackers accessed Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses, and driver’s license numbers.
Telephone Scams
Telephone scammers try to trick you out of money or get access to your personal information. Scams may come through phone calls from real people, robocalls, or text messages. The callers often make false promises, such as opportunities to buy products, invest your money, or receive free product trials. They may also offer you money through free grants and lotteries. Some scammers may call with threats of jail or lawsuits if you don’t pay them.
Social Security Administration Scam
The Office of the Attorney General continues to receive complaints about the Social Security Administration scam. Callers are informing consumers that there is a problem or suspicious activity with their social security number and the the account/number has been suspended. This is a scam, and consumers should ignore and report.
You may report suspicious activity or communications claiming to be from the Social Security Administration to the Social Security Fraud Hotline.
Banking Scams
Banking scams involve attempts to access your bank account. Some popular banking scams include Overpayment scams, Unsolicited check fraud, Automatic withdrawals, and Phishing.
Investment Scams
Here at the Office of the Attorney General, we want to help make sure that you do not fall victim to an investment scam.
Video Gallery
The video will walk you through the following five investment scam tactics and what to look for:
- Phantom Riches
- Source Credibility
- Social Consensus
- Reciprocity and Scarcity
The video below also provides information in spanish, (English version comin soon!), on what you can do to avoid these scams and what to do if you have been a victim of a scam.
Aquí en la Oficina del Fiscal General queremos ayudar a que no sea víctima de una estafa de inversión. El video lo guiará a través de las siguientes cinco tácticas de estafa de inversión y qué buscar:
- Riquezas Fantasmas
- Credibilidad de la Fuente
- Consenso Social
- Reciprocidad y Escasez
El video cubrirá información sobre que puede hacer para evitar estas estafas y qué hacer si has sido víctima de una estafa.
IRS Imposter Scams
IRS imposter scams occur when someone contacts you pretending to work for the IRS. The imposter may contact you by phone, email, postal mail, or even a text message. There are two common types of scams are tax collection and verification.
Charity Scams
Some scammers set up fake organizations, taking advantage of the public’s generosity, especially after a tragedy or disaster.
Ticket Scams
Ticket selling scams often happen when tickets for popular concerts, plays, special venues, and sporting events sell out quickly but there is a still a very high demand for tickets. Scammers, including individuals and fake resale ticket sellers, will take advantage of the situation.
Sign of Common Scams
- Empty promises (You have to pay up front without receiving anything in exchange)
- Threatening phone calls (Real legal notices are sent in writing, not over the phone)
- Demands for personal/financial information
- Accepting only wire or gift card payment
- Refusing to give you return contact information
Report a Scam
Additional Resources
In addition, you can submit complaints to: