Intake & Constituent Services
Consumer Complaint
When a business violates New Mexico or Federal law and a consumer cannot resolve the dispute directly with the business, our Advocacy and Intervention advocates may be able to step in and help. Our advocates monitor business practices for patterns of fraudulent or unfair business practices and may make referrals to our Consumer and Environmental Protection Division for review and enforcement of New Mexico consumer laws. In some cases, advocates may be able to persuade a business to change its determination without the consumer’s having to seek private counsel. Please note that our advocates cannot become involved in your consumer dispute if you have already retained an attorney and cannot represent individuals if litigation is needed. Our services are available to mediate disputes at no charge to the consumer. Our Consumer and Environmental Protection Division litigates, but represents only the State’s interests, and not those of individuals wronged.
Consumer Complaint Involving Vehicle
When a business violates New Mexico or Federal law and a consumer cannot resolve the dispute directly with the business, our Advocacy and Intervention advocates may be able to step in and help. Our advocates monitor business practices for patterns of fraudulent or unfair business practices and may make referrals to our Consumer and Environmental Protection Division for review and enforcement of New Mexico consumer laws. In some cases, advocates may be able to persuade a business to change its determination without the consumer’s having to seek private counsel. Please note that our advocates cannot become involved in your consumer dispute if you have already retained an attorney and cannot represent individuals if litigation is needed. Our services are available to mediate disputes at no charge to the consumer. Our Consumer and Environmental Protection Division litigates, but represents only the State’s interests, and not those of individuals wronged.
Citizen Concern
The NMDOJ does its best to stay informed of what is happening throughout our state. Part of this includes listening to tips and concerns from people like you. We monitor these tips closely for issues and patterns that may require our intervention. If we have any further questions about the information you provide, we will reach out to you.
Report a Scam
The Advocacy and Intervention Division at the NM Department of Justice wants to hear about scams that affect people in New Mexico. However, our advocates will always encourage you to report a scam to the Federal Trade Commission, which keeps a constant and current log of scams, that keeps and compiles the national “do not call” registry, and that sometimes can help consumers recover funds taken by a scammer. To submit to the FTC visit the website ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Patient Debt Collection
New Mexico Law provides certain protections to consumers regarding medical debt collection and billing practices. If you have a medical debt dispute or a complaint about the billing practices of a health care provider our Advocacy and Intervention advocates may be able to step in and help. Our advocates monitor business practices to ensure that they conform to New Mexico law and may make referrals to our Consumer and Environmental Protection Division for review and enforcement. Please note that our office cannot represent individuals if litigation is needed. Our services are available to mediate disputes at no charge to the consumer. Our Consumer and Environmental Protection Division litigates, but represents only the State’s interests, and not those of individuals wronged.
Cold Case Tip
The New Mexico Department of Justice is proud to introduce our new Cold Case Unit, a team of dedicated and seasoned investigators committed to revisiting unresolved cases in our community. Under the leadership of Attorney General Torrez, armed with advanced forensic technology, a fresh perspective, and a collaborative effort with statewide law enforcement agencies, this specialized unit is determined to crack the mysteries that have remained unsolved.
If you have any information related to the cold cases listed on the NMDOJ's Solving Cold Cases with Modern Forensic Technologies page, please submit your tip to the Cold Case Unit.
Social Media
The New Mexico Department of Justice is concerned about the negative impacts of social media on society, particularly children. While we may not be able to resolve your specific issue, we are monitoring these complaints closely for trends and patterns that may require our intervention. If we have any further questions about the information you provide, we will reach out to you.
Report a Robocall
The NMDOJ is using this form to gather data on the robocalls affecting consumers in our state. By filling it out, you’re providing valuable information that our Consumer Protection division will review.
Robocalls are recorded or computer generated voices that utilize auto dialers to make large batches of calls simultaneously. There are legal robocalls, such as calls that inform you of your airline flight status or reminders of upcoming medical appointments – those to which you have consented. Illegal robocalls are those you have not consented to and generally try to persuade you to pay for something or to disclose personal information.
Consumer Tips and Resources
For tips on how to avoid future robocalls, visit the FCC Guide to Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts. You can stop most telemarketing calls by adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry online or by phone at 1-888-382-1222.
Crime Victim Rights Complaint
New Mexico law outlines a comprehensive list of rights afforded to crime victims. These rights are intended to ensure that victims are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect throughout the criminal justice process. Key crime victim rights include:
- Timely Notification: Victims have the right to be promptly informed of all criminal proceedings and major developments in their cases.
- Participation: The right to participate and be heard in critical stages of the criminal justice process, including court proceedings and parole hearings.
- Protection: Ensuring the safety of victims by taking appropriate measures to protect them from the accused.
- Restitution: Victims are entitled to restitution from the offender to compensate for their losses.
- Prompt Return of Property: The right to have their property returned as quickly as possible when it is no longer needed as evidence.
These rights take effect when an individual is formally charged for allegedly committing a criminal offense against a victim and remain in effect until the final disposition of the court proceedings related to the charge(s).
If you believe your rights as a crime victim are being infringed upon, we want to hear from you. We are committed to standing with crime victims and ensuring their rights are protected.
Charitable Organizations
Charitable Organization Complaint
The NM Department of Justice oversees charities (except for religious and educational organizations) that exist, operate or solicit contributions in this state. The department has the duty to protect the interests of all beneficiaries of charities within its jurisdiction. The NM Department of Justice may conduct investigations and bring legal actions to protect the assets of New Mexico charities and ensure that the assets are used for their intended charitable purposes as well as protect New Mexico’s citizens from unlawful solicitation practices by fundraisers.
Governmental - Open Meetings Act or Inspection of Public Record Act
Open Meetings (OMA) Complaint
Under the Open Meetings Act (OMA), the NM Department of Justice (NMDOJ) has the discretion and authority to enforce the OMA’s provisions. NMSA 1978, § 10-15-3(B). Generally, the NMDOJ reviews and issues determinations regarding whether public agencies have violated the OMA. All OMA complaints submitted to the NMDOJ, including any attached materials and any correspondence regarding those complaints, are public records subject to public inspection. Additionally, OMA complaints and determinations from the NMDOJ may be posted on our website.
All complaints submitted to the NM Department of Justice will be reviewed for potential OMA violations. The NMDOJ may dismiss those complaints that fall outside OMA’s purview and those for which no remedy is available under OMA, or forward OMA complaints to another appropriate agency for resolution. Please note that the NMDOJ does not represent complainants in suits against public bodies.
Inspection of Public Records (IPRA) Complaint
Under the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), the NM Department of Justice (NMDOJ) has the discretion and authority to enforce the IPRA’s provisions. NMSA 1978, § 14-2-12. Generally, the NMDOJ reviews and issues determinations regarding whether public agencies have violated the IPRA. All IPRA complaints submitted to the NMDOJ, including any attached materials and any correspondence regarding those complaints, are public records subject to public inspection. Additionally, IPRA complaints and determinations from the NMDOJ may be posted on our website.
All complaints submitted to the NMDOJ will be reviewed for potential IPRA violations. The NMDOJ may dismiss those complaints that fall outside IPRA’s purview and those for which there is no remedy available under IPRA, or forward IPRA complaints to another appropriate agency for resolution. Please note that the NMDOJ does not represent complainants in suits against public bodies.
Medicaid Provider Fraud and Abuse
Fraud committed by Medicaid provider
The Medicaid Fraud Control Division is a criminal law enforcement unit of the NM Department of Justice that enforces the Medicaid Fraud Act and the Resident Abuse and Neglect Act. The Division investigates and prosecutes Medicaid providers who commit fraud and/or resident abuse, neglect and exploitation in long-term care facilities. The unit also pursues civil monetary repayment of Medicaid program funds when a Medicaid provider does not provide adequate services to recipients.
Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation
The Medicaid Fraud Control Division is a criminal law enforcement unit of the NM Department of Justice that enforces the Medicaid Fraud Act and the Resident Abuse and Neglect Act. The Division investigates and prosecutes Medicaid providers who commit fraud and/or resident abuse, neglect and exploitation in long-term care facilities. The unit also pursues civil monetary repayment of Medicaid program funds when a Medicaid provider does not provide adequate services to recipients.
Fire Recovery
Fire Recovery Scam
Many people that have been impacted by fires have hired people or businesses to help them recover. If you feel that you have been wronged by someone you have hired related to fires, please complete this form. Completing this form will help us identify issues and patterns that may require intervention.
Fire Recovery Governmental
Many governmental agencies have begun to support people impacted by fires. Our office is monitoring issues that may be preventing appropriate recovery for those affected. Completing this form will help us identify issues and patterns that may require intervention.
Fire Recovery Attorney Concern
Many people that have been impacted by fires have hired attorneys to help them through the recovery process. Attorneys are required to follow a strict professional code of conduct, including ethical responsibilities toward their clients. Our office is monitoring issues related to these relationships. Completing this form will help us identify issues and patterns that may require intervention.
Fire Recovery Price Gouging
Many people that have been impacted by wildfires in New Mexico have needed businesses or service providers to help them recover. If you feel that you have been taken advantage of or price gouged by a business during your recovery from a wildfire, please complete this form. Completing this form will help us identify issues and patterns that may require our intervention.
Civil Rights
Civil Rights
The Civil Rights Division of the New Mexico Department of Justice is dedicated to upholding the civil rights of all New Mexico residents. If you believe your civil rights have been violated under state or federal law, our office may assist in addressing your concerns. We investigate complaints related to discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, and other protected characteristics in various settings like employment, housing, education, and access to public accommodations.
Our team will review each complaint for potential civil rights violations. Please note that while we strive to address all concerns, some complaints may fall outside our jurisdiction or require private legal counsel. Our services are free, and we aim to protect and advance the civil rights of all New Mexicans.