The Sheriff's Office has issued a warning regarding fake arrest orders being sent to individuals via smartphones. Victims are then instructed to purchase grocery store gift cards or make payments through cash apps such as Zelle and Venmo.

These fraudulent orders may appear legitimate, as they include images of the recently-used Doña Ana County seal and the Sheriff's Office badge, along with commonly-used terminology. However, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office clarified that it does not contact people by phone regarding arrest orders or warrants, nor does it request cash payments or gift cards.

"Anyone who has a warrant for their arrest will be told in person by a uniformed deputy," stated an official from the Sheriff's Office. Deputies do not collect payments or fees associated with any warrants or arrests.

Residents of Doña Ana County who receive calls about an outstanding warrant or arrest are advised to gather as much information from the caller as possible, including their name and phone number. This information should be reported to the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority at 575-526-0795 or online at www.mvrda.org.