The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has issued a warning about recent scam attempts targeting individuals involved in bankruptcy cases. According to the court, scammers have been contacting debtors by phone and using caller ID spoofing to make it appear as though the calls are coming from the local bankruptcy court. During these calls, individuals are asked to make installment payments through Zelle.
Court officials stress that these requests are fraudulent. They emphasize that filing fees should only be paid directly to the Clerk of Court, and that the bankruptcy court will never ask for payments through Zelle or any other digital wallet application.
“If you receive such a call, please take no action as it is a scam. Filing fees are only payable directly to the Clerk of Court and the bankruptcy court will never ask for payments to be made through Zelle or any other digital wallet application,” stated the court.
Individuals seeking information about proper payment methods can visit the court’s official website at https://www.nysb.uscourts.gov/fees-and-rates. Those who have received scam calls or have additional questions are encouraged to contact the court at (212) 284-4040.
