April 18, 2024 .

The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court is reminding residents that the court will never call demanding cash in exchange for clearing court matters. A number of people have contacted the court recently saying that they have received such calls.

“Callers are reporting that they’ve received a call from a local sheriff’s deputy asking the person to meet them downtown with cash to clear a bench warrant for missing court or for failing to appear for jury duty. The callers are identifying themselves as law enforcement, citing case numbers and referencing the names of local judges,” said Court Executive Officer Lissa Lowe. 

As a reminder, the court mails hearing notices or summonses to appear for court or for jury duty. If a bench warrant is issued for failure to appear in court or for non-compliance with the Court’s orders, the bench warrant will be mailed. If you have a case pending with the court, it is always a good idea to verify that the court has a current mailing address for you.

If you owe fines or fees, the court will notify you by mail through a court-issued summons or warrant. There are three ways to make a payment to the court: online, by mail or in-person. The court, nor law enforcement, will never ask to meet you at a location off-site for payment.

“We have contacted the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and the State Auditor’s Office to report the calls we have received. Public information is easily accessible online, and scammers can sound legitimate by stringing a few things together. If you suspect that something doesn’t sound right, please call the court at (505) 841-8151 to verify,” added Lowe.