DEMING – New Mexico transportation officials are warning residents and visitors to be on high alert for a new wave of fraudulent messages claiming unpaid toll fees, stressing that the state does not operate any toll roads and will never request toll payments.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation says any text message, email, or phone call demanding toll money in New Mexico is entirely fake. Officials report scammers are sending urgent notices that threaten “enforcement action” beginning after February 4, 2026, a tactic designed to pressure people into acting quickly without verifying the claim.
According to the department, the scams often arrive as convincing messages that look official, sometimes directing recipients to fake websites that mimic government pages or asking them to click links, scan QR codes, or provide personal and financial information. Phone calls have also been reported, with callers claiming toll violations and warning of penalties if payment is not made.
Transportation officials are urging the public to ignore any unexpected communication about unpaid tolls in New Mexico, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never scan QR codes tied to supposed toll notices. Anyone who receives one of these messages is encouraged to delete it and, if concerned about potential identity or financial exposure, contact their bank or credit card provider for guidance.