Beware of missed jury duty scam

Scammer will claim to be calling on behalf of sheriff’s office

The Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office is again warning metro area residents of a scam — and the perpetrator is using the name of a sheriff’s office employee.

Sheriff’s office spokesman Lt. Keith Elder in a news release issued this week said residents are receiving calls from a scammer who says he is Civil Sergeant Victor Rodriguez with the office’s Civil Division. The caller tells the recipient of the call that they have failed to appear for jury duty and must pay $1,500 by prepaid credit card or an arrest warrant will be issued. If the scammer doesn’t talk with anyone, a message for a call back will be left. The caller has left the number of 505-437-0188.

Elder says the legitimate number for the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office is 505-867-7526.

“If anyone receives a call from the number (mentioned) or any other telephone number do not provide any personal, banking or credit card information,” Elder said. “Do not send pre-paid credit cards in the mail. “This is a scam!” Elder said the office has received numerous calls and walk-in visits from concerned citizens complaining about the calls, and the sheriff’s office is conducting an investigation into these calls and scam.

“If you receive a call, simply hang up without discussing your situation with the scammer,” Elder said. “If you have a message to return a telephone call regarding the failure to appear for jury duty or an arrest warrant, do not call the scammer.”

Elder said the sheriff’s office will not call you and demand money for payment of any type over the telephone or through email. All financial transactions with the sheriff’s office are done at the sheriff’s office in cash, and you will receive a receipt at the time of transaction for the monies paid.

He also said if someone calls and says he or she is an employee with the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office and demands money, note the telephone number and name of the caller. Hang up without providing any information and call 505-891-7226 to report the incident.

The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office recently reported a similar scam occurring in that southern New Mexico county.