The Maine Administrative Office of the Courts warned residents Saturday of an email scam that has been reported in other states.

The email scam alleges “illegal software use” by the email recipient who is expected or ordered to appear in an unspecified state court, according to a news release from Mary Ann Lynch, government and media counsel at the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Lynch warned anyone receiving such an email in Maine not to open any attachments or click on any links in the emails.

Maine courts never summons people to court via an email, Lynch said.

In other states, the emails have impersonated the domain names of well-known national law firms and may contain an attachment or link that downloads a virus onto the user’s computer or device.

Beth Quimby can be reached at 791-6363 or at: bquimby@pressherald.com