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.