The New Mexico Department of Justice, along with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium (TBDC), are warning those affected by radiation exposure in New Mexico of a scam related to Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) claims. In the wake of the recent expansion and extension of RECA claims, organizations and attorneys are soliciting people to file claims with them for a fee, despite the fact that New Mexico will have a legitimate claim submission process and guidance forthcoming. The community should be aware that the U.S. Department of Justice has not yet opened the claims process to New Mexicans who qualify.

“We are grateful to our Congressional Delegation who tirelessly advocated for the expansion of these critical compensation efforts. New Mexicans who have been affected by these exposures deserve compensation – and they deserve to get that compensation free from bad actors attempting to take advantage of them. We encourage New Mexicans to file claims through legitimate entities to ensure they receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to through RECA, and also to file any reports of suspected fraudulent activity with our office.” – AG Torrez