New Mexico DOJ Warns of Fake Toll Violation Texts Circulating Statewide

The New Mexico Department of Justice issued a statewide consumer alert warning that scammers are circulating a fake "Notice of Hearing - Toll Violation" by text message, email and phone, a notice reposted by the Los Alamos Reporter on March 6, 2026. State agencies say the fraudulent notices often include a pink-colored attachment and a QR code that directs recipients to submit payment or personal information.

State transportation and motor vehicle officials outlined the scam’s mechanics across separate releases. The New Mexico Department of Transportation warned in a May 12, 2025 press release that scammers had been threatening "enforcement action" that would begin after May 14, 2025, and urged New Mexicans to treat such demands as fraudulent. Cabinet Secretary Ricky Serna said, "These scammers create a false sense of urgency by threatening license suspension or legal action to panic people into making payments," and added, "Remember, since New Mexico has no toll roads, any message claiming you owe toll fees in our state is 100% fraudulent."

The Taxation and Revenue Department’s Motor Vehicle Division reiterated that New Mexico does not operate toll roads and said MVD will not contact customers by text, email or phone to demand payment. MVD’s Feb. 2, 2026 release included pictured screenshots of fraudulent messages and advised New Mexicans not to respond, click links, scan QR codes or share personal or financial information. MVD gave a customer phone line for verification at 1-888-683-4636 and listed media contact Megan Gleason at megan.gleason@tax.nm.gov and (505) 231-3801.

Local courts and law enforcement added similar warnings. Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Executive Officer Lissa Quintana said, "We again encourage the public to exercise caution when receiving text messages like this and to avoid clicking on links or QR codes if you are unsure of the sender. The messages may appear official and may use legitimate court-related language, but we urge the public to confirm with the court before acting." Metro Court emphasized that it does not text or call to notify people of charges or request payment and that official notices are sent through the mail; the court can be reached at 505-841-8151 or via metro.nmcourts.gov. The Taos County Sheriff’s Office issued a bluntly-worded press release warning residents as well.

Agencies described key fraud indicators to watch for in Los Alamos County and statewide: messages coming from out-of-state area codes, group-text distribution to many recipients, pink "Notice of Hearing - Toll Violation" attachments with QR codes, links to convincing fake websites, and threats of license suspension or immediate legal action. Officials across NMDOT, MVD and courts said the fraud aims to steal financial and identity information rather than to resolve any legitimate toll debt.

Practical steps officials recommend include reporting suspicious texts to your phone carrier, contacting MVD at 1-888-683-4636 or Metro Court at 505-841-8151 to verify any notice, and contacting local law enforcement if a caller is threatening. With NMDOT first warning in May 2025 and the DOJ reposted alert on March 6, 2026, state agencies warn the scam has persisted over months and urged continued vigilance from residents and visitors in New Mexico.