The Cortez Police Department wants to warn our community about a dangerous new phone call scam targeting local residents.

A scammer claimed a woman's son was in an accident and had caused property damage. The thief demanded $10,000 for repairs and threatened to harm him if she didn’t pay. Thankfully, she contacted her son directly, and he was ok.

What to do if you receive a similar call: 

• Stay calm. Scammers try to scare you into acting fast. Hang up!
• Verify information. Call your loved ones directly to confirm they’re safe.
• NEVER send money. Legitimate authorities will never demand payment over the phone.
• Report the scam. Contact local law enforcement if you get a suspicious call.

Scammers want to take advantage of fear. The best defense is staying informed and verifying facts with reliable sources. Share this to protect others in Cortez and Montezuma County!

Thank you for reporting this scam to the Cortez Police Department!

#StaySafe #CortezPD #ScamAlert #VerifyBeforeYouAct