It is a scam and court attendance notices are never distributed via email.

Attendance notices were only issued in person by police or sent in the post.

Staff said at least six residents had attended the courthouse very confused as to why they had been summoned. 

A statement was released by the Magistrates Court in Victoria stating the emails would infest the recipient’s computer with a virus if it was opened. 

“These scam emails typically instruct recipients to report to court on a specific day and time, and they often direct the recipient to bring documents and witnesses with them,” the statement said. 

“They also typically warn that the court may proceed in their absence.”

The emails do not come from the courthouse, the emails do not come from any government email address and the court.