Scam Alert: New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division warns against text scams 

SANTA FE ─ The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) warns the public about a wave of scam text messages falsely claiming to be from MVD or other state government agencies demanding payments for outstanding highway tolls. 

New Mexico does not operate any toll roads within state boundaries and will never request toll payments. Additionally, the MVD does not contact customers via text, email or phone call to issue threats or demand payment. 

Any such message is fraudulent, and New Mexicans are encouraged not to respond, click on links, scan QR codes or share any personal or financial information. 

The fraudulent text messages may also contain links to fake websites imitating official state websites. The only official MVD website is located at https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/. 

Text message scams may come from out-of-state phone numbers or be delivered to a batch of recipients in one group text.  

You may report fraudulent text messages to your phone carrier. If a caller is threatening you, contact local law enforcement. 

MVD will only contact customers by mail on official letterhead and will always provide remedies and contact information to fix the issue. If you ever question authenticity, contact MVD at https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/ or by calling 1-888-683-4636. 

Pictured above: Screenshots of fraudulent text messages. 

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New Mexico Department of Transportation has also issued a scam warning:

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is warning residents about a widespread scam targeting New Mexicans with fake toll road payment demands. New Mexico has no toll roads, any message claiming you owe toll fees in our state is 100% fraudulent.

NMDOT officials emphasize that New Mexico does not operate any toll roads within state boundaries and will never request toll payments from residents or visitors.

Current scam details

Scammers are sending urgent messages claiming that “enforcement action” will begin after February 3, 2026. These sophisticated scams attempt to steal personal and financial information by:

• Sending text messages or emails demanding immediate toll payment.
• Making phone calls claiming toll violations with threats of penalties.
• Creating convincing fake websites that mimic official government pages.

How to protect yourself:

• Ignore all unexpected messages about unpaid New Mexico toll roads.
• Do not click links in suspicious texts or emails about toll violations.
• Never scan QR codes from unexpected messages about toll payments.