Scam Prevention and Identity Theft
In today’s digital world, safeguarding your personal information is more crucial than ever. Scammers constantly devise new ways to steal your identity and money. The New Mexico Department of Justice is dedicated to safeguarding the community from these ever-present dangers. The resources and information below were designed to equip New Mexico citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves and their loved ones.
How to identify a scammer
Typically, scammers are targeting their victims’ finances. Their tactics are deceitful, fast-paced, usually result with them achieving their goal in a way that makes it very difficult to get it back. They’ll tell you to wire money through a company like Western Union or MoneyGram, put money on gift cards or transfer apps.
Do not send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person.
Practical Tips for Scam Prevention
- Use secure websites: always check for “https” in the URL and a padlock symbol before entering any personal or payment information.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Approach unexpected offers or communications with caution, especially if they request your personal information.
- Strangers online are still strangers: scammers are experts in deceitful methods, such as establishing trust quickly, making the victim feel sorry for them or suddenly finding themselves in an urgent need for a large amount of money.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam:
- Cease communication with the individual immediately.
- Consult with someone you trust. Have your friends or family expressed concerns about your new romantic interest?
- Conduct online research about the person’s purported job, adding “scammer” to the search query. Are there similar stories from others? For instance, search for “oil rig scammer” or “US Army scammer.”
- Perform a reverse image search on the person’s profile picture. Is it linked to a different name or details that don’t align? These are red flags for a scam.
Taking Action
If you suspect you’re in the grips of a scam, act immediately. Scams should be reported directly to the FBI or FTC. The New Mexico Department of Justice is actively engaged in combating robocalls, focusing on protecting consumers from these intrusive and often fraudulent communication methods. To fill out our Robocall form to help us gather data, click the button below.
Protecting Your Identity While Online
Be aware of the following:
- Never give out your information to a person or a company that contacted you first.
- You never can be too cautious when protecting your personal information.
- Know who you are dealing with when shopping or divulging personal information online.
- If something sounds too good to be true it most likely is.
Signs that your identity has been stolen:
- Statements for your financial accounts stop arriving at the normal time without prior notice from your financial institution.
- Bills start coming for things you did not buy, or charges show up on your credit card statement for purchases you did not make.
What do you do if your identity is stolen?
Immediately file a police report and retain a copy. Then contact your creditors, banks, credit bureau, local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission by phone and in writing. Let them know that you have become the victim of identity theft. Keep a record of all communication you make with these agencies, including everything you send them, each person you talk to, and the date and time of all communication. Request a copy of your credit report and review it carefully for anything suspicious. Close all accounts that have been tampered with or opened without your knowledge or consent.
- File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
- Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened without your authorization.
- Contact the three major credit reporting bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit file or place a security freeze on your credit file.
- Review your credit report for accounts you did not open; debts you did not incur on any accounts; inquiries from companies you do not know; and inaccurate information.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
- New Mexico residents may request an Identity Theft Passport.
Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)
The New Mexico Department of Justice has entered into a collaborative partnership with the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) to provide assistance with concerns regarding identity compromise, theft, and misuse.
To chat with the ITRC, click the Chat button in the lower right corner of this page.
Identity Theft Passport
- The Identity Theft Passport database is a statewide system accessed by law enforcement and the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) to identify and document victims of identity theft.
- Once a victim of identity theft files a report with local law enforcement, this report, along with the victim’s personal information, becomes stored in the Identity Theft Passport database that is available to statewide law enforcement agencies.
- The victim’s information will also be accessible by the Motor Vehicle Department.
- Passports can only be received at an office of the State of New Mexico MVD.
- The passport is a New Mexico identity card. “Victim of Identity Theft” will be printed on the back in the endorsement area and should be carried by the victim to help prevent identity confusion if a crime has been committed in the victim’s name.
Resources
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