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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.

What is the CARE Act?

Approved by Governor Newsom in fall of 2022, the CARE Act, also known as Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act is a new framework to get people with untreated mental health and/or co-occurring disorders the support and care they need.

CARE Act is a voluntary civil court process designed to connect individuals struggling with certain untreated mental illnesses, and often also substance use challenges, with an individualized court ordered care plan for up to 24 months with county behavioral health services, under the oversight of a judge.

Resources

You can find more information on the CARE Act here.  Please see the Judicial Council Self-Help Guide for instructions on how to file.

General FAQs  (English)

General FAQs (Spanish)

Care Court Overview and FAQs_Providers (English)

Care Court Overview and FAQs_Providers (Spanish)

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