COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is warning Columbus residents about fake text messages that claim they owe unpaid parking or toll fines and must pay right away or show up in court.
The texts are scams. The fines are not real. And clicking the QR code in the message could put a virus on your phone.
What the Fake Text Looks Like
The message looks like an official court notice. It lists a judge’s name, an Ohio court seal, and a deadline to pay a parking or toll fine. It includes a QR code that takes you to a payment website.
But the Franklin County Municipal Court says the judge named in the text is not a real Municipal Court judge. The seal on the notice is fake. And the payment website has been traced to companies overseas.
The Franklin County Municipal Court confirmed it never sends text messages about fines or court appearances. All real court notices come by U.S. mail.
What Could Happen If You Scan the QR Code
Yost’s office warned that scanning the QR code could install malware on your phone or computer. Malware is a type of software that can steal your passwords, bank information, or personal data without you knowing.
“Scammers rely on fear and urgency,” Yost said. “If you receive a message threatening court action or demanding immediate payment, take a moment to verify it before responding.”
How to Know If a Court Notice Is Real
Ohio state agencies never contact residents by text to ask for money. If you get a text claiming to be from a court or government office, do not respond to it. Instead, look up the official phone number for that office and call them directly.
To check if you actually have a case with the Franklin County Municipal Court, you can search the court’s official records at fcmcclerk.com.
What to Do If You Got One of These Texts
Do not scan the QR code. Do not click any links. Do not call the number in the text.
If you think you received a scam text, you can report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s office at OhioProtects.org or by calling 800-282-0515. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you already clicked the link or gave out personal information, contact your local police department.
This article is based on an official press release from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and a warning from the Franklin County Municipal Court and Clerk.