Indianapolis, Indiana – Scammers are using the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana’s name to trick people into clicking a potentially harmful internet link.

Yesterday, the Clerk’s Office began receiving phone calls from individuals who had been sent emails informing them that they had been summonsed for federal jury service. The email urges recipients to click a link.

Federal courts do not issue jury summons via email. Anyone receiving a legitimate jury summons will receive that information via physical mail. Do not click any link included in an email from an unknown sender.

Many recipients of this email are employees of the State of Indiana and are receiving the scam email on their work email account. State employees should notify their information technology staff if they receive the email.

Residents of the Southern District of Indiana who believe they have been the victim of such a scam are encouraged to report the incident to the District Court Clerk’s Office at 317-229-3700 and the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov..

Here is additional information on things to remember, who to call, and what to do if you are contacted by a scammer:

Authenticate an email or call by contacting the Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court in Indianapolis at (317) 229-3700 to verify that the court is not requiring any action from you and that the scam call did not come from the court.
Do not divulge personal information or financial information to unknown callers, including those who claim to work for a government agency.
A court will never ask for a credit/debit card number, gift card number, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers over the phone or by email for any purpose.
A fine will never be imposed until after an individual has appeared in court and been given the opportunity to explain a failure to appear.
Report scams to the District Court Clerk’s Office or Federal Trade Commission.
You can remain anonymous when you report.