Federal Court Warns Los Alamos Residents of Phone Scam Threat

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico issued an advisory on December 23, 2025 alerting residents to a phone scam in which callers falsely claim a warrant will be issued, request personal identifiers, and at times demand immediate payment to avoid arrest. The court said it will not call to demand payment or to request sensitive information, and it urged anyone receiving such calls to refuse to provide information, to report incidents to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center also known as IC3, and to contact the District Court at 505 348 2000 to verify any alleged matters.

Scammers use urgency and fear to pressure targets into quick action, a tactic that can confuse callers and lead to the disclosure of Social Security numbers, bank details, or other personal data. For Los Alamos County residents the risk is practical and immediate. Financial losses and stolen identities can follow if callers comply with demands, and the resulting paperwork and legal confusion can disrupt daily life for households and small businesses alike.

To protect yourself the court guidance is straightforward. Do not provide personal identifiers to unsolicited callers. Do not agree to make payments over the phone to resolve alleged warrants. Hang up and record details of the call if possible. Report the incident to the FBI IC3 so investigators can track patterns and pursue leads. Call the District Court directly at 505 348 2000 to verify whether any legitimate action is pending in your name.

The advisory reflects a broader global trend in technology enabled fraud where bad actors exploit telephone and online channels to impersonate institutions. Local authorities encourage vigilance and prompt reporting so law enforcement can better protect the community. Residents with questions or concerns should contact the District Court at the number provided to confirm the status of any purported legal matters.