If you receive an email saying you’re scheduled to appear in “the court of Washington”… beware. It could be a scam.

San Juan County issued a press release Wednesday, Jan. 22, warning that Washington Courts have received reports of a fraudulent email being widely distributed around the U.S. with the subject line “Urgent court notice NR#73230” (or another random number). It claims the receiver is scheduled to appear in “the court of Washington.”

The receiver is then instructed to open the attached court notice and read it thoroughly, and is warned about not appearing. The spam has proven to be a “malware” email and will download a computer virus when the attachment is opened.

A business owner on Orcas Island received one of the fraudulent emails, according to the county District Court administrator.

A news release issued by Washington Courts states: “This email did not originate with the Administrative Office of the Courts or any Washington courts,” and advises anyone receiving an email that fits the above description to delete the email immediately without opening the attachment.

For information and tips, visit the FBI E-Scams and Warnings site at http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams.