Cook County officials warn of parking fine scam

Cook County courts officials are warning residents of a scam involving a phony notice presented as an official court communication regarding unpaid parking charges.

The scam document, labeled as an “Illinois Circuit Court — Hearing Notice,” is not a legitimate notice from the Circuit Court of Cook County, officials said.

The false notice directs recipients to scan a QR code to make a payment and suggests there may be consequences for failing to respond.

Residents who receive the notice should not scan the QR code, make any payment through an unsolicited link, or share personal or financial information. Instead, they should report it to local law enforcement and the Illinois attorney general’s office.