Albuquerque, NM – Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas issued a scam alert, warning New Mexicans that scammers are calling from phone numbers with "New Mexico State Government" listed on caller ID, and trying to trick people into handing over their money.

"Scammers are getting very sneaky and sophisticated, and their techniques are increasingly difficult to detect," said Attorney General Hector Balderas. "The most effective solution to the problem of encountering a scam call is simply to hang up."

Tipsters reported to the NMAGO that they received calls from a (505) area code, a common Santa Fe prefix, and "New Mexico State Government" on the caller ID. When they answered the call, they received instructions to call a toll-free number, 1-800-847-2911. When tipsters called that number, they were connected to a purported "debt relief" company, "Credit Financial Solutions," claiming to be in Orlando, Florida, and offering to reduce consumer credit card interest rates and payments.

The Office of Attorney General Hector Balderas employs advocates to help consumers who encounter scams, faulty products and broken promises. Those who think they may have been scammed can file a complaint at the Attorney General's website at www.nmag.gov or call (505) 717-3500 in Albuquerque, (505) 490-4060 in Santa Fe, or toll-free statewide 1-844-255-9210.

If you receive a scam robo-call, Attorney General Balderas also encourages you to register with the Federal Trade Commission's national Do Not Call Registry. If you register your phone number there, callers must stop calling your phone number after you have been registered for 31 days. The FTC registry can be reached online at https://www.donotcall.gov.