Fake process server and lawsuit text scam
These texts and calls claim a lawsuit has been filed against you and a process server is coming, unless you call and settle right away.
How this scam works
The threat of public embarrassment and court makes people pay to make it go away. There is no case.
Common versions of the message
- A lawsuit you never heard about
- Being served at home or work
- A settlement paid by app
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 018-7726
This is a process server. A lawsuit has been filed against you and you will be served at your home or work tomorrow. To avoid court, call (555) 018-7726 today and settle with a payment by Zelle.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Lawsuit threat: “A lawsuit has been filed against you”
Real cases come with court papers you can check
Real lawsuits come with court papers that name the court and case number you can check.
- 2
Scare tactic: “served at your home or work tomorrow”
Made to embarrass and rush you
Threats of being served at work are meant to embarrass and rush you.
- 3
Pay by Zelle: “settle with a payment by Zelle”
Courts and real lawyers do not settle by Zelle
Courts and real lawyers do not settle cases by Zelle.
What to do
- Do not call the number or pay.
- Look up the court yourself and ask whether any case exists in your name.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you paid, call your bank right away.
- If you shared personal details, watch for identity theft.
- Do not pay again if they call back.
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