The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Michigan issued an urgent scam alert on February 24, 2026, regarding fraudulent phone calls targeting debtors. Scammers are impersonating court officials to demand immediate payment for alleged court fees or debts.
Key Red Flags of the Scam
- Method of Contact: The Bankruptcy Court will never call a debtor to request payment over the phone.
- Payment Demands: Scammers demand payment via untraceable methods like Zelle, Venmo, prepaid credit cards, or Bitcoin.
- Spoofed Numbers: Callers use “spoofing” technology to make the call appear as if it is coming from an official court phone number or a legitimate law firm.
- Urgency & Threats: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, such as threatening immediate arrest or “further legal consequences” if payment isn’t made instantly.
- Faux Authenticity: They may use real court addresses and the names of actual court officials or attorneys to sound credible.
How to Protect Yourself
- Do Not Provide Info: Never give out personal or financial account information to an unsolicited caller.
- Verify Independently: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the court or your attorney directly using a verified number from an official website.
- Check Official Mail: Legitimate government agencies, including the Michigan Department of Treasury, correspond via official letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service.
Reporting Fraud
If you believe you have been targeted, report the incident to:
- U.S. Trustee’s Office (Grand Rapids): 616-456-2002.
- Michigan Attorney General: File a complaint through the Consumer Protection Team.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357.
