Franklin County Alerts Residents to Sophisticated Text Message Scam Targeting Court Users

Franklin County President Judge Shawn Meyers has issued a warning to the public regarding a deceptive text message scam that impersonates the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant against this fraudulent activity, which aims to exploit individuals by demanding payment for fabricated legal issues.

The scam operates by sending text messages that appear to originate from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, a technique known as “spoofing.” These misleading messages inform recipients that they are facing charges for “Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Requirements.” The fraudulent communication further claims that an arrest warrant has been issued and that bail has been set at $12,000, which must be paid through specific digital payment methods like e-bonds, digital bonding, or Bitcoin. Following the initial text message, victims are often contacted by phone with detailed instructions on how and where to submit the purported payment to resolve the alleged charges.

The Franklin County Courts and all courts within Pennsylvania have a clear policy: they will never solicit payments through phone calls, letters, or text messages. This includes requests for payment via credit card, gift card, or any other form of electronic funds transfer for any reason. Officials emphasize that any communication purporting to be from the court system demanding immediate payment through such channels is a clear indication of a scam. Residents who receive any correspondence, including text messages, from an individual claiming to be associated with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and requesting money, fines, fees, or court costs should not provide any sensitive personal information or engage in any form of payment.

Individuals who receive text messages of this deceptive nature are strongly advised to terminate the communication immediately. It is crucial to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities. This includes contacting state and local police departments. Additionally, residents can report the scam to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection, by calling (800) 441-2555 or emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov. Taking these steps can help prevent others from falling victim to this fraudulent scheme and aid in the investigation of those responsible. This scam highlights the increasing sophistication of online fraud and the importance of public awareness and proactive reporting to protect oneself and the community.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

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