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Fraud Alert: Scam Text Messages Claiming DMV Penalties -

We have been made aware of fraudulent text messages being sent to individuals claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court system. These messages often state that the recipient owes penalties or fees related to traffic violations or DMV infractions and may include a link or phone number to resolve the matter. 

Take these steps to reduce the chances of falling victim to a text message scam:

  • Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts — If you receive a message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply.
  • Verify the source — If you are unsure, always contact the DMV through official channels.
  • Call the DMV if you have concerns — The DMV customer service team is available to help you at 800-777-0133.

Please see DMV warning about fraudulent texts: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/dmv-warns-of-fraudulent-te…

Jury Scam alert -

The Santa Barbara Superior Court has received complaints about individuals trying to scam members of the public by pretending to be court officers or officials. The Jury Services office of the Santa Barbara Superior Court does not call citizens to request payments for failing to appear for jury duty. California law does not permit citizens to pay a fine in lieu of jury duty. If you receive such a call simply hang up and, if the scammer persists, call your local law enforcement agency. Learn more about the recent scam warning.

Notice to Jurors:

Prospective jurors summoned for jury service can expect to receive their jury summons in postcard form. Please check your mail for a postcard with important instructions to fulfil your jury service. Visit the Jury Services page for more information.

Emergency Resources for Santa Barbara County

Police

Sheriff

Medical emergency

 9-1-1

Alcohol and drug abuse hotline

Behavioral Wellness Access Line, Santa Barbara County

1-888-868-1649 (toll free)

Child abuse hotline (if a child is in immediate danger,

call 9-1-1)

Child Welfare Services,

County of Santa Barbara

1-800-367-0166 (toll free)

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-422-4453

Domestic violence emergency shelter

Santa Barbara area

1-805-964-5245 (24/7)

Lompoc area

1-805-736-0965 (24/7)

Santa Ynez Valley area

1-805-686-4390 (24/7)

Santa Maria area

1-805-925-2160 (24/7)

Mental health crisis

Emergency psychiatric services

Crisis and Recovery Emergency Services (C.A.R.E.S.), Behavioral Wellness Access Line, County of Santa Barbara

1-888-868-1649 (toll free)

Rape Crisis Center hotline

Santa Barbara area

1-805-564-3696 (24/7)

Lompoc area

1-805-736-7293 (24/7)

Santa Maria area

1-805-928-3554 (24/7)

Suicide prevention hotline

Behavioral Wellness Access Line, Santa Barbara County

1-888-868-1649 (toll free)

California Suicide hotline

1-800-400-1572 (toll free)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255 (toll free)

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

9-8-8                        (24/7)

YOUTH: Mobile crisis response

Casa Pacifica’s Safe Alternatives for Treating Youth (SAFTY): 20 years and under

1-888-334-2777 (toll free)

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 365 days/yr.

YOUTH: YouthWell

YouthWell: Resource directory for youth 0-25 and famililies

1-888-334-2777 crisis line

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