Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a warning on Thursday, March 5, about a scam that involves text messages claiming the recipient has unpaid parking or toll fines and must pay immediately or appear in court.

Those messages, according to the warning, include what appears to be an official court document and a QR code that directs recipients to a website to pay the alleged fine.

However, the messages are fraudulent and not connected to the court system.

Instead of an approved website, the message will direct recipients to a website whose domain has been traced to entities overseas.

Consumers are reminded in the release that scanning a QR code created by a scammer could expose a device to malware or other security threats.

"Scammers rely on fear and urgency," Yost said.

He continues," If you receive a message threatening court action or demanding immediate payment, take a moment to verify it before responding."

Several tips are shared in the release on how to protect yourself from this sort of scam:

  • Do not scan QR codes or click links on unexpected notices
  • Verify the information independently by contacting the court itself, using an official phone number or website
  • Look for warning signs like incorrect seals, unfamiliar website addresses or unusual instructions

Ohioans who believe that they have received a scam notice can file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-282-0515.

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