In an alarming case of fraud, Mehndra Darbar, 26, was arrested for his involvement in a scam targeting a 71-year-old man in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. The scam, which preyed on Jose Lopez’s fear of jail, led the elderly man to believe he owed $75,000 to a supposed U.S. marshal. Under pressure, Lopez agreed to pay, and Darbar, who had traveled from Pennsylvania, visited the victim’s home to collect the cash.
Sheriff Billy Merrifield confirmed that this was the first time he encountered a scammer going directly to a victim’s home. The scam escalated with another call, demanding an additional $50,000, prompting Lopez to contact the sheriff’s office.
Darbar, originally from India and in the U.S. on a working visa, was identified as a “mule” in this operation. Sheriff Merrifield emphasized that such fraudulent activities may have occurred across multiple states, making this case part of a wider scheme. Despite his arrest, Darbar was released from jail on Monday.
Sheriff Merrifield warns that no legitimate law enforcement agency will ever request money by phone. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full scope of this fraud.
