Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Ohio Civil Traffic Notice Scam Toll Violation
Ohio Civil Traffic Notice Scam Toll Violation

There is a widespread scam targeting Ohio residents with text messages claiming to be a "Civil Traffic Notice" or "Final Notice" of an outstanding traffic ticket, parking fine, or toll violation.

These fraudulent texts often threaten to suspend your driver's license or vehicle registration if you do not pay immediately.

Red Flags and Scam Details

  • Source: Texts often come from random, unknown, or different phone numbers.
  • The Hook: They claim you have an unpaid ticket from the "Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)," "Ohio Turnpike," or a local court.
  • The Tactic: Urgent language designed to make you panic and click a link or scan a QR code.
  • The Payload: The link leads to a fake, official-looking website designed to steal your credit card numbers and personal information.
  • Common Phrase: "Ohio (BMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Begins...".

What You Should Do

  1. DO NOT click the link or scan the QR code.
  2. DO NOT provide personal or banking information.
  3. DO delete the message immediately.
  4. DO block the number.
  5. VERIFY: If you are worried you may actually have a ticket, check directly with your local Clerk of Courts or the official Ohio BMV website—never use the contact info provided in the text.

How to Report

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  • Ohio Attorney General: Report scams to the Ohio Attorney General’s office.

If you have already sent money, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.

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