RIO ARRIBA COUNTY, N.M. – The Rio Arriba Sheriff’s Office has arrested Mahendra Darbar, who allegedly scammed a local resident by impersonating law enforcement officers. According to a press release, on December 13, the victim received a call from a man claiming to be a U.S. Marshal, stating that the victim’s social security number was tied to money laundering and that an arrest would occur unless a payment was made.
The victim later received a second call, this time from a woman claiming to be with the Española Police Department, who instructed the victim to withdraw money from their bank account and transfer it to a nearby ATM. However, the victim was unable to complete the transaction.
On December 15, deputies waited at the victim’s home for the suspect to collect the money. Mahendra Darbar, who had traveled from Pennsylvania to New Mexico, was arrested at the scene. He faces one count of fraud over $20,000 and one count of attempting to commit fraud over $20,000.
The Rio Arriba Sheriff’s Office is warning the public to stay vigilant against scams involving individuals impersonating law enforcement officials. It is important to note that the United States Marshals Service does not make phone calls to individuals regarding such matters.