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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.

SANTA BARBARA SUPERIOR COURT ANNOUNCES REDUCTION IN SERVICES DUE TO STATE FUNDING REDUCTIONS

November 23, 2024

SANTA BARBARA SUPERIOR COURT ANNOUNCES REDUCTION IN SERVICES DUE TO STATE FUNDING REDUCTIONS

November 25, 2024 – Santa Barbara, California

The Santa Barbara Superior Court will be closing the clerk’s offices early during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s weeks in Santa Maria, Lompoc and Santa Barbara.  Critical court employees are taking unpaid furlough days to stave off further operational reductions as a result of state budget cuts imposed by the Governor and the Legislature.  The result is decreased access to justice during these limited time periods.

We regret these actions, but they are necessary to address the draconian budget reductions imposed upon your local courts.  Without the selfless actions of Superior Court staff voluntarily taking unpaid days of leave, more serious and permanent cuts would have been implemented.

See link for more details.

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