Bernalillo County court warns of new text-message scam
Scammers are texting fake unpaid-fine demands, attachments and QR codes that look official. The court says to call (505) 841-8151, not the link.
SCAM ALERT: Be cautious of fraudulent calls or text messages claiming to be from the court. Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court says to verify any court communication, call (505) 841-8151.
The fake texts have taken several forms. Some have claimed recipients owe unpaid traffic fines and must pay within two days or appear in court to avoid more trouble. Another version has used official-looking attachments and a QR code to submit payment, while a statewide scam message has claimed a “Notice of Hearing – Toll Violation.” New Mexico does not have toll roads.
Court communications do not arrive through SMS or text message. Official notices come through authorized channels such as letters, secure portals or direct communication from the court. The Second Judicial District Court will never send text messages requesting payment or threatening legal action.
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court has been warning about this pattern for months. On Feb. 13, 2026, the court warned about fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid traffic fines. On Jan. 30, 2026, it warned that scammers were targeting people named in lawsuits. On March 5, 2026, it warned about a fraudulent toll-violation text circulating statewide.
Do not reply to suspicious texts or click any embedded links, and do not trust payment requests sent by text. If a link was clicked or money was sent, stop using the text thread and call the court’s scam-warning line at (505) 841-8151 to verify whether any real court matter exists under the name being used.
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