Franklin County Municipal Court and its Clerk’s Office say a new scam using text messages is targeting local residents.
The scam involves a text message being sent that claims to be from either the court or the court clerk about an unpaid parking ticket. The message says a person must either pay a fine or appear in court to resolve the issue.
These text alerts include a link to pay a fine and information about court hearings occurring in the near future. The link is a scam to get the recipient’s credit card and other identifying information.
Municipal Court and the clerk’s office do not use text messages to notify people about fines. Information about court dates is sent through the regular mail to the address on file with the clerk’s office.
The agencies encourage those who may be a victim of the scam to contact their local law enforcement agency. If you do not have a scheduled court hearing, do not go to Franklin County Municipal Court.
Other tips to avoid scams:
Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at [email protected].

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