The Metropolitan Court received several calls this week from concerned citizens in what appears to be a scam for quick cash. 

Callers report that they received a call from an individual identifying themselves as a sergeant with the court saying a family member is eligible to be released from jail, but payment is needed in order to release that individual on an ankle monitor. The scammer reportedly asks for an initial payment of $250 via Cash App to hold a spot for the incarcerated family member in an ankle monitoring program, with a second payment requested to be made a few weeks later.  

“What’s most-alarming is that those who have been called report that they do in fact have a family member in jail, and the scammer sounds credible citing the person’s name, address and local judge’s names,” said Court Executive Officer Lissa Quintana. “One caller reported that she unfortunately made both payments before realizing it was a scam.”

The court reminds the public that it will never call demanding cash in exchange for someone’s release from custody, nor in exchange for clearing court matters. 

Instead, the court mails hearing notices or summonses to appear for court or jury duty. If a bench warrant is issued for failure to appear, or for non-compliance with the Court’s orders, the bench warrant will be mailed. Anyone with a pending court case should verify that the court has a good mailing address on file.

If fines are past due, the court will send notification 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 at the courthouse.

“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 Quintana.

– Published September 5, 2025