El Paso Police: Scammers targeting businesses now threatening “cartel” violence

El Paso Police said Wednesday thieves and scammers are targeting businesses by calling employees and demanding money under threat of drug cartel violence.

Police said that over the past month, several businesses across the city have been targeted by the “on-going scheme.”

The callers, all males, call the establishments and demand money from the safe or registers. Police said employees are instructed to take money from the business and deliver it to another location.

Employees are then led to believe the business is being watched by “armed cartel members” who are standing by, ready to enter the business if payment demands are not met.

Police said delivery points are usually locations in Juarez. The employees are also told to fill out money orders named to people living in Mexico.

Police said the callers include credible information about the specific establishment that makes the threats more believable.

If you receive a call, police ask that you do not engage the caller, but do not dismiss the threats. Call 911 immediately.