Crime & Law

Cook County Chief Judge Warns of Scam Demanding People Pay Fake Parking Fees

Cook County’s chief judge is warning residents of an ongoing fraud scam in which victims are falsely told they must settle unpaid parking charges.

Chief Judge Charles Beach’s office said some residents have received fake notices purportedly sent by the court that threaten recipients with potential legal action unless they follow a QR code to pay off parking fees.

Beach’s office said these documents are not legitimate and were not issued by the Circuit Court of Cook County.

“The Circuit Court does not send hearing notices in this format, does not demand payment through unsolicited QR codes, and does not threaten arrest or credit reporting in this manner for unpaid parking matters,” the chief judge’s office said in a statement.

Anyone who does receive this notice is instructed not to scan the QR code or submit any payments through links from unsolicited messages. Beach’s office also warned residents against providing any personal or financial information in response to this notice.

Legitimate court information — including case details and payment options — can be found only through the Circuit Court of Cook County’s official website or by contacting the clerk of the Circuit Court directly.

Anyone who receives the fake notice is asked to report it to local law enforcement and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

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