Electronic filing scam targets attorneys nationwide; scale unknown

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Attorneys across the country are being targeted with fake electronic filing notifications, in which emails purporting to come from the federal judiciary’s Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system lead recipients to a malicious website with computer viruses.

The federal judiciary notified attorneys of the scam on its website on Wednesday.

According to the IT Security Office for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the fake notices of electronic filing prompt recipients to reply immediately. Recipients are then sent an email containing a link to access fake case documents that direct users to a malicious website.

A spokesperson for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts said the office is unsure of how many attorneys have been affected by the scam.

A spokesperson for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland declined to comment on the scam Friday.

The federal judiciary advised attorneys to validate cases and case documentation directly through the local federal court’s CM/ECF system to avoid becoming a victim of the scam, and to never download attachments or click on links from unofficial or questionable sources.

If an attorney receives a suspicious email regarding a federal court case, the federal judiciary advises the attorney to contact the federal court in the attorney’s jurisdiction before opening any attachments or links.

If an attorney receives a threatening phone call or email, the federal judiciary encourages the attorney to refrain from disclosing any information requested. According to the federal judiciary, federal courts will never use a phone call or email to request personal or financial information, or to threaten recipients who don’t comply.