Another phone scam is circulating around Lea County, and the Hobbs Police Department is asking the public to be on guard.

According to a Wednesday, October 5, press release issued by Hobbs police chief August Fons, area residents are reporting the receipt of phone calls from a man who says he is “…a Captain with the Hobbs Police Department.”

The caller then informs the “unsuspecting” recipient of the phone call that “an active warrant has been issued” for his or her arrest. “The caller demands payment in the form of a prepaid credit card or gift card, and if the citizen does not cooperate, an Officer will be sent to arrest them [him or her] at their home or place of work,” states the press release.

Such Phone Calls Are Bogus

Such phone calls are bogus and are to be ignored. The Hobbs Police Department (HPD) reminds the public that the department NEVER clears arrest warrants through telephone calls. Additionally, the department NEVER uses prepaid credit cards or gift cards to clear arrest warrants.

Anyone receiving such a scam phone call is urged to contact the HPD at (575) 397-9265 or Lea County Crime Stoppers at (575) 393-8005.

Things You Need to Know

The scammer making the bogus “arrest warrant” phone call will likely use a “spoofed number” when calling. This practice makes “…it appear they are calling from the Hobbs Police Department or another local Law Enforcement Agency,” states the press release.

The scammer making the bogus “arrest warrant” phone call will likely tell the person he or she is calling that the “active warrant” is for a “minor infraction”. Since the infraction is “minor”, it can be wiped away by paying the fine using a prepaid credit or gift card.

The scammer will sound convincing and may “…use factual personal information about the person they are targeting. This may include name, date of birth, address and other relevant data,” warns the HPD.

Remember anyone receiving such a scam call should immediately report the incident to the HPD or Crime Stoppers. Say nothing and NEVER pay “callers who threaten to arrest you unless you pay”.