Fake Lawsuit Text Messages: How to Protect Yourself
Fake lawsuit and settlement text messages are a growing scam. They use urgency, threats, and official-sounding language to trick you into calling a number or clicking a link.
Informational purposes only. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. If you need advice about your specific situation, consider speaking with a licensed attorney.
## Short Answer
Legitimate courts and real settlement administrators do not initiate contact with you via text message. A text claiming you are being sued or that you have unclaimed settlement money is almost certainly a scam.
How These Scams Work
You receive a text saying you are involved in a lawsuit and must call a number immediately, or that you have unclaimed settlement funds and must click a link to claim them. The phone number connects you to a scammer pretending to be a court officer, attorney, or administrator. They ask for personal information, payment, or they direct you to a fake website.
Why Courts Do Not Text You
Court service of process — the formal notification that you are being sued — is governed by strict legal rules. It requires personal delivery, certified mail, or other specified methods depending on jurisdiction. A text message is not a legally valid method of service in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Common Fake Text Variations
You have been named in a lawsuit, call immediately. There is a settlement check waiting for you, click here. A warrant has been issued for your arrest related to a civil debt, call now. Your claim form for a class action has been rejected, verify your information here.
What to Do
Do not call the number in the text. Do not click any links. If you are genuinely concerned you might be involved in a lawsuit, search court records independently or consult an attorney. Report the text to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and forward it to 7726 (SPAM) on your carrier.
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*This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.*
Informational purposes only. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. If you need advice about your specific situation, consider speaking with a licensed attorney.