New Mexico DOJ Warns of Fake Toll Violation Text Scam

AG: New Mexico Press Releases

Published March 6th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The New Mexico Department of Justice issued a warning regarding a fraudulent text message scam impersonating the Bernalillo County Magistrate Court. The scam uses fake toll violation notices with QR codes to steal personal and financial information.

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What changed

The New Mexico Department of Justice has issued a public warning about a sophisticated scam circulating via text message. The fraudulent "Notice of Hearing — Toll Violation" falsely claims to originate from the Bernalillo County Magistrate Court and directs recipients to scan a QR code to pay non-existent toll violations. This QR code leads to a phishing website designed to harvest credit card details and other sensitive financial data. The notice contains several red flags, including referencing a non-existent court and toll roads within New Mexico, and citing an invalid statute.

Individuals who receive this fraudulent notice are strongly advised not to scan the QR code, click any links, or provide any personal or financial information. If a recipient has already entered such information, they should immediately contact their financial institution to report potential fraud. The NMDOJ emphasizes that official court notices are served through verified channels and do not request payment via unsolicited QR codes or text messages. Residents are urged to exercise caution with unexpected electronic communications demanding payment or personal data.

What to do next

Delete any received "Toll Violation" text messages immediately.
Do not scan QR codes or click links in suspicious text messages.
Contact financial institutions if personal or financial information has been compromised.

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New Mexico Department of Justice Warns Public of Fraudulent “Toll Violation” Court Notice Circulating by Text

March 6, 2026

Albuquerque, NM – The New Mexico Department of Justice is warning residents about a scam involving a fake court notice that is being distributed by text message and other electronic means to individuals across New Mexico.

The attached “Notice of Hearing — Toll Violation” falsely claims to be issued by the Bernalillo County Magistrate Court and instructs recipients to scan a QR code to pay an alleged toll violation. The QR code appears to direct users to a fraudulent website designed to collect credit card information, which could lead to fraudulent transactions or stolen financial data.

In addition to the malicious QR code, several clear indicators show that the notice is fraudulent. The notice claims to come from the “Bernalillo County Magistrate Court,” which does not exist in New Mexico. It also references unpaid toll fees, despite the fact that there are no toll roads in New Mexico. Furthermore, the notice cites a non-existent statute as the legal basis for the alleged “toll violation.”
The New Mexico Department of Justice urges residents not to scan the QR code, click any related links, or provide personal or financial information if they receive this notice.

Anyone who receives this message should delete it immediately. Individuals who believe they may have already entered payment or credit card information should contact their financial institution as soon as possible to report potential fraud.

The NMDOJ also reminds the public that official court notices are typically served through verified court channels and will not request payment through unsolicited QR codes or text messages.
Residents are encouraged to remain cautious when receiving unexpected messages requesting payment or personal information.