East County News Service
May 9, 2026 (San Diego County) — If you receive a text message about a missed court date or a phone call from someone saying they are a “law enforcement officer” demanding payment for a warrant, take a breath before you take out your wallet.
It’s likely a trap, say leaders from the Superior Court of California – County of San Diego.
San Diego Superior Court officials issued an urgent warning Thursday, May 7 following a surge in increasingly sophisticated scams designed to frighten residents into sending money to fraudsters. In just the past week, two distinct and highly convincing schemes have been reported to court officials.
According to Public Affairs Officer Emily Cox, the newest wave of attacks involves “spoofing” — a technique where scammers manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though they are calling from a legitimate San Diego Superior Court phone number.
In one instance, a resident reported an aggressive caller who claimed to be law enforcement and insisted there were criminal charges pending. Fortunately, the individual recognized the red flags of the high-pressure tactics and hung up.
A second scam involves text messages regarding unresolved traffic citations.
These messages often include:
- Fake case numbers and names of real or fabricated judges and clerks;
- Demands to appear in court on a specific date (without naming a location);
- And fraudulent payment links requesting immediate settlement of “outstanding balances.”
Court officials emphasize that the San Diego Superior Court does not initiate contact via telephone or text message to collect fines or remedy court issues.
“Legitimate court documents will always include a case number that can be verified,” the Court stated in a news release. “The Court conducts all official correspondence via U.S. mail or, in specific instances, through E-Service if a party has opted in.”
The court said that typical fake requests include those requesting digital payment. The Court will never ask for or accept payments via Venmo, PayPal, Zelle or similar online apps. Additionally, while cash is accepted in person at courthouse business offices, the Court never insists on cash-only payments.
Court officials say that many scam texts originate from area codes outside of San Diego County (619, 858 or 760).
Scammers often demand you “show up at court” but fail to mention which of the county’s various courthouse locations you should attend.
A pattern of deception
The Court shares that this isn’t the first time San Diego residents have been targeted.
Last September, fraudsters sent out fake arrest warrants to induce panic payments. Other scammers have gone as far as telling victims to meet a “court clerk” at a kiosk or a “deputy” outside a convenience store to hand over money orders.
In true court cases, you are notified that you’ve been sued and provided an opportunity to present your side before a judgment is entered.
“If the first document you receive states that you owe a judgment, it is likely a scam,” Cox shared in the email.
Cox writes that if you are unsure about the legitimacy of a court document or call, do not provide any personal information or payment.
Instead search the Online Court Index and verify your name or case number at sdcourt.ca.gov
You can also call the court directly from from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., or visit the courthouse in person from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To report persistent scammers, contact your local law enforcement agency.
For more information on official payment methods and court locations, visit the San Diego Superior Court’s official website.