Raúl Torrez Attorney General at New Mexico | Official website
The New Mexico Department of Justice has issued a warning to residents affected by the recent floods in Ruidoso about potential scams that often follow natural disasters. The department's Consumer Protection Bureau highlighted risks such as insurance scams, price gouging, and fraudulent charities.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez advised caution, stating, "If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is." He warned against sharing personal or financial information with unfamiliar insurance companies or wiring money to unknown entities. Torrez also noted that scammers might use fake names and phone numbers to conceal their identities.
The department encouraged reporting any suspected price gouging through their website, NMDOJ.gov/get-help/submit-a-complaint/. They also provided guidance for those wishing to donate financially, advising individuals to verify if a charity is registered with the NMDOJ and compliant with annual registration requirements.
Residents are urged to check where a charity allocates its funds and review tax documents for organizations claiming 501(c)(3) status, which makes donations tax-deductible. Additional resources like GuideStar.org, FTC.gov, and IRS.gov were recommended for further research.
The NMDOJ has created a webpage dedicated to flood recovery, offering scam prevention information and safe donation tips. The department is collaborating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement to address fraud cases. Suspected fraudulent activities can be reported online or by calling 505-490-4060.
Information from this article can be found here.
