MINNEAPOLIS — The federal judiciary is informing the public of an email scam that could infect recipients with computer viruses.

The U.S. District Court of Minnesota says on its website that the emails look like they are coming from federal or state courts.

They instruct recipients to report to a hearing on a certain day and time, and they also tell readers to look at an attached document for case information.

When the attachments or links are opened, a virus is launched.

The courts say unless someone is actively involved in a federal case and consents to receive notifications electronically, he or she generally won’t be served with court documents through email.

Several state courts have reported similar schemes.