News release: Departments warn residents to use caution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22, 2024

ALTSD Contact:

Joey Long, PhD

Public Information Officer

Joey.long@altsd.nm.gov

TRD Contact:

Charlie Moore

Public Information Officer

Charlie.moore@tax.nm.gov

Be wary of unclaimed property solicitations

Older adults targeted by scam artists claiming to work on their behalf

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue and the Aging and Long-Term Services Departments are advising residents to exercise caution when approached by solicitors offering to help them recover unclaimed property.

At least one older New Mexico resident may have been defrauded recently by someone claiming to be working on their behalf to recover unclaimed property.

While there are legitimate operators who help recover unclaimed property for a fee, residents should do their homework before hiring someone. Ask for and check references, do not provide any personal information and be especially careful if the individual asks for payment upfront.

"Older adults are increasingly targeted by financial scams and exploitation, which can devastate their well-being and security,” said ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Jen Paul Schroer . "It is vital that everyone educate themselves and their loved ones about these scams and report any suspicious activity immediately."

Importantly, New Mexicans can find and recover unclaimed property on their own using Taxation and Revenue’s online portal at tax.newmexico.gov or by reaching out through email at unclaimed.property@tax.nm.gov . People can search for unclaimed property nationwide using missingmoney.com .

More information about New Mexico’s Unclaimed Property program is available on this page tax.newmexico.gov.

“We certainly want to reconnect people to property that is rightfully theirs, but we urge them to be careful about accepting offers to help. Recovering unclaimed property is almost always as easy as searching online and filing a claim,” said Taxation and Revenue Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke .

In the suspected fraud case, an individual claiming to be associated with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) reached out to an older New Mexico resident claiming to be a “bonded trustee” and asking for a substantial sum to help recover unclaimed property. A family member stepped in to investigate with New Mexico officials and NAUPA.

Officials at NAUPA said the individual claiming to be associated with the organization has no affiliation with it.

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The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) was established in 2004 to provide resources, connection and advocacy for seniors and adults with disabilities. The department oversees the state’s Area Agencies on Aging to elevate the quality of care at senior centers, offers advocacy through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteer program, and provides intervention through the agency’s national award-winning Adult Protective Services. Additionally, ALTSD houses the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, which offers options counseling, education, and connection to resources. For more information about ALTSD, visit aging.nm.gov or follow us on Facebook , X (Twitter) , and Instagram @NewMexicoAging.

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The Taxation and Revenue Department serves the State of New Mexico by providing fair and efficient tax and motor vehicle services. It administers more than 35 tax programs and distributes revenue to the State and to local and tribal governments throughout New Mexico.

The Department strives to reduce taxpayer burden through clearer communication, statutes, regulations, forms, correspondence and instructions.

Connect with us on tax.newmexico.gov, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter @NM_MVD