If you get a text message claiming you owe money for a parking ticket or toll in Columbus, don’t rush to pay it.
Officials with the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk’s Office say a scam is currently circulating around Central Ohio that tries to trick people into paying fake fines.
The messages typically claim you have an unpaid parking ticket and need to either pay a fine or appear in court. They often include a link or QR code that directs you to a payment page.
The court says those texts are not legitimate.
According to a notice from the court and clerk’s office, they do not send text messages to notify people about fines or initial court appearances. Those notices are sent through the mail instead.
The fake document looks official at first glance
As part of the warning, the clerk’s office shared an example of the fake document that’s circulating.
The notice looks like a court summons and includes language about a vehicle allegedly being parked in violation of Ohio law. It then instructs the recipient to pay a fine or face legal consequences.
The document also includes a QR code that directs people to a website where the supposed fine can be paid.
Officials say scammers often design these notices to look official to pressure people into acting quickly.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is also warning residents not to scan QR codes from unexpected legal notices. In some cases, those links can lead to fraudulent payment pages or websites connected to overseas domains.
What to do if you receive one
If you receive a text like this, officials recommend a few simple steps:
- Don’t click any links or scan the QR code
- Don’t send payment
- Don’t show up at the courthouse unless you already have a scheduled hearing
People who receive the messages are encouraged to report them to their local law enforcement agency.
If you’re unsure whether you actually have a case or citation, you can check directly with the Franklin County Municipal Court through the clerk’s online case search.
