On Aug. 4, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo announced a new public awareness campaign aimed at combating behavioral health treatment scams targeting vulnerable homeless populations in New Mexico. According to a press release by the New Mexico Human Services Department, the new "Don't Be Taken For a Ride" initiative promotes utilizing the 988 crisis lifeline to report suspicious activities.
“This campaign is extremely important to me and my team as we are looking for information against these bad actors that will hopefully lead to an arrest and criminal charges,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez, according to the press release. “I thank HSD, FBI Albuquerque, 988 and all other partners who are helping to share this message so that we can take down these deceptive and illegitimate ‘providers’ who harm our community members and resources.”
According to the press release, scammers are luring vulnerable New Mexico residents that struggle with substance use disorders into vehicles with promises of drugs, money, shelter, or treatment, only to transport them across state lines to dishonest recovery centers. The Arizona Attorney General's Office and the FBI are investigating these schemes and and taking action against Arizona scammers involved with the scams. The New Mexico Office of the Attorney General is seeking tips from the public to bring these perpetrators to justice.
“It’s unconscionable that anyone would promise to help and then illegally transport the most vulnerable New Mexicans out of state,” said Kari Armijo acting cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department, according to the press release. “True help for someone in need never comes with a bribe.”
The 988 crisis hotline is open to individuals in crisis situations to provide them with support and guidance. According to the press release, callers can access recommendations for behavioral health resources and provide information about questionable incidents. The hotline is also equipped to record tips and connect calls to Special Agents within the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General.