I just received the following announcement from the Clerk of Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Please read, pass along and be aware:
FRAUDULENT SCHEME INVOKES FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY COURT
The federal court system has become aware of a fraudulent scheme that may be affecting victims throughout the country. In it, persons are called and told they owe money, typically $150 to $450, to pay the debt of another person.
In several recent instances in Utah, individuals who refused to provide a credit card number to the caller were told they must report to a federal bankruptcy court for a hearing, and that if they did not pay they would be arrested.
The caller also provided a toll-free number for the individuals to call if they decided to pay by credit card instead of reporting for the hearing.
Federal bankruptcy courts do not initiate such calls. This matter is under investigation by the United States Marshals and the U.S. Postal inspectors. It has also been reported that these calls are placed by an automated voice messaging system which is in no way affiliated with the court.
If you receive one of these calls, please record the number (if possible), write down as much information as possible, and contact the Bankruptcy Court.
Kenneth Jordan, Clerk of Court
Southern District of Ohio
