Las Cruces PD says scammers are using sophisticated technology to steal money

Update (January 21, 2026): Las Cruces Police are reiterating their warning about scam phone calls being made to residents. They say that the scammers are using sophisticated technology to get money.

Police say that in the last week or so, several people have made police reports about these scam calls.

"In one incident, someone called and identified themselves as a Las Cruces police sergeant," a police spokesperson explained. "The caller indicated he was conducting an investigation and enticed a 16-year-old girl to give him access to her iCloud account."

Another victim was threatened with arrest if he did not electronically transfer $6,000 to the scammers.

"In another case, a caller demanded $2,000 or he would send police to arrest the man on a warrant," the spokesperson said. "The man ended up negotiating with the caller and settled on a lesser amount that was electronically transferred to an untraceable account."

Las Cruces Police reiterate that law enforcement officers will never call and ask for money.

"The callers are using sophisticated software that mimic phone numbers of either a law enforcement agency, such as the Las Cruces Police Department, or the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority, the 911 call center for Las Cruces and most of Dona Ana County," the spokesperson said.

Residents are encouraged to hang up immediately if they suspect a scam and report the incident to police.

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Las Cruces Police are warning of an increase of scam phone calls soliciting money from residents.

"The callers are using sophisticated software that mimics phone numbers of either a law enforcement agency, such as the Las Cruces Police Department, or the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority, the 911 call center for Las Cruces and most of Dona Ana County," a police department spokesperson explained.

The spokesperson says that the scammers are demanding money. One resident was asked for $2,000. The resident was told the scammers would send police to arrest them on a warrant if the payment was not received.

"No law enforcement agency or dispatch center will ever call residents and ask for money," the spokesperson explained. "Residents who receive such a call are encouraged to simply hang up and refrain from interacting with the caller. Never provide personal or financial information to someone you do not know."

If you have fallen victim, call (575) 526-0795.