Federal courts issue scam alert

The federal judiciary has learned of an email scam in which emails purporting to come from federal and state courts are infecting recipients with computer viruses.

According to the Security Operations Center of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the emails are instructing recipients to report to a hearing on a specified day and time. An article in the court’s Third Branch News said the emails also instruct recipients to review an attached document for detailed case information.

When the attachments or links in the email are opened,  the newsletter said, a malicious program is launched that infects the recipient's computer.

Several state courts have reported similar schemes, and also are warning the public about potential viruses.

Unless someone is actively involved in a case in federal court and has consented to receive court notifications electronically, people generally will not be served with court documents electronically.

If someone has received an email regarding a federal court case or matter of which he or she is unaware, the person is encouraged to contact the federal court in their jurisdiction before opening any attachments or links.
 

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