(COLDWATER) - The Branch County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about another email scam using fake federal court documents to frighten people into responding or handing over personal information.
The emails claim to come from "Jon Frederick" and are sent from federalssc4@gmail.com.
They include fraudulent documents made to look as though they came from the U.S. Department of Justice or a United States District Court.
The documents falsely claim recipients are under court orders requiring them to remain in contact with law enforcement or prohibiting them from discussing a case.
Sheriff Fred Blankenship said the documents are completely fraudulent.
The sheriff's office identified several warning signs:
- Government agencies do not conduct official business through Gmail accounts.
- The documents cite laws and procedures that do not exist.
- The messages are designed to intimidate people into responding or providing personal information.
Residents should closely inspect the sender's full email address, avoid replying and never click links or open unexpected attachments.
The sheriff's office recommends deleting the email, blocking the sender and reporting the message as spam. Anyone receiving a similar phone call should hang up immediately and not engage with the caller.
Residents who receive a suspicious message or believe they may have been targeted should contact the Branch County Sheriff's Office before responding.