Debtors in the Eastern District of Michigan are being warned about a scam involving fraudulent phone calls that claim to be from the United States Bankruptcy Court. According to an official notice, individuals have reported receiving calls where the caller uses real court addresses and names of court officials to appear legitimate. The scammers demand payment for supposed court fees using methods such as Zelle, Venmo, or pre-paid credit cards.
The court emphasized that it does not contact debtors by phone to request payments. “The Bankruptcy Court will never contact a debtor by phone to request payment,” the notice stated. Debtors are urged not to provide personal information, account numbers, or money if they receive such calls.
All official payment notices from the Bankruptcy Court are sent through United States mail or via its electronic bankruptcy noticing system at https://www.mieb.uscourts.gov/electronic-bankruptcy-noticing-ebn. Additionally, debtors are not allowed to pay court fees with Zelle, Venmo, or credit cards.
Todd M. Stickle, Clerk of Court, signed the notice dated February 24, 2026.
