Ohio Attorney General Warns of Parking Ticket Scam

Fraudulent text messages claim unpaid fines and threaten court action if not paid immediately.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has issued an alert to residents about a new text message scam involving fake parking and toll fine notices. The scam messages include what appears to be an official court document and a QR code directing individuals to a website to pay the supposed fine. However, these messages are fraudulent and not connected to the court system. Scanning the QR code could expose a phone or computer to malware or other security threats.

Why it matters

This scam is targeting Ohio residents and aims to take advantage of people's fear of legal consequences. It highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any unexpected legal notices before responding or taking action.

The details

According to Yost's office, the fake notices direct people to websites whose domains have been traced to entities overseas. Residents who receive suspicious legal notices are advised to avoid scanning QR codes or clicking links on these notices.

  • On March 5, 2026, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the alert about the parking ticket scam.

The players

Dave Yost

The Attorney General of Ohio who issued the alert about the parking ticket scam.

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What they’re saying

“Scammers rely on fear and urgency. If you receive a message threatening court action or demanding immediate payment, take a moment to verify it before responding.”

— Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Ohioans who believe they have received a scam notice can file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any unexpected legal notices before responding, as scammers often try to take advantage of people's fear and urgency. Residents should be cautious of QR codes and links in suspicious messages to avoid exposing their devices to potential malware.