United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

11/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/13/2024 14:53

Notices of Electronic Filing (NEFs) Scam Targeting Attorneys and Law Firms

Attorneys and law firms across the country have reported being targeted with a phishing scam that uses email to send fake electronic filing notifications (NEFs) and Notices of Docket Activity (NDAs). These emails appear to come from the federal Judiciary's Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system. According to the IT Security Office for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the fake Notices of Electronic Filing prompt recipients to reply immediately. Recipients are then sent an email containing a link to access fake case documents that direct users to a malicious website.

To avoid becoming a victim, never download attachments or click on links from unofficial or questionable sources. Be sure to always validate cases and case documentation directly through the federal court's CM/ECF system.