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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.

Estate of Melissa Diane Ross

Case Number

22PR00392

Case Type

Decedent's Estate

Hearing Date / Time

Mon, 11/06/2023 - 08:30

Nature of Proceedings

Petition for Final Distribution

Tentative Ruling

Appearances required.  The following is noted for the Court at the hearing:

Questionable, unexplained escrow charges.  The escrow statement submitted by the petitioner shows expenses during escrow that appear to evince malfeasance, without further explanation. The following transactions are questionable for the stated reasons the follow:

  • Past Due Payment of $31,298.71 – The Court should inquire as to why the mortgage fell into such neglect, and determine if the Personal Representative is liable for such neglect.
  • Escrow Overdraft of $15,218.35 – The Court should inquire as to why this overdraft occurred and who the funds were paid to.  On its face, it appears this charge was a loss to the estate.
  • Foreclosure charges – There were late charges and fees of nearly $400 for what appear to be foreclosure costs. These charges are recoverable against the Personal Representative, if the Personal Representative could have kept the property from exposure to foreclosure.

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