How do I find out if a summons is legit? And not a scam?

For starters, I’d call up the court and ask ‘em. They’ll not steer you wrong.

There should be information on it about where the lawsuit has been filed. Find the information for the court from a reputable public site and talk to them (as @snowberry says above).

If the summons leads you to a business park, and not a publicly owned court property… then turn right around and go back home.

Why would a summons be a scam? For what purpose? Is it for a deposition or to appear in court? If it’s for a deposition, you will want to take a lawyer with you.

@BarnacleBill Here’s a scam summons story.

Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that a consumer protection lawsuit has been filed against an Erie debt collection company accused of using deceptive tactics to mislead, confuse or coerce consumers – including the use of bogus “hearings” allegedly held in a company office that was decorated to look like a courtroom…
…“Consumers also allegedly received dubious ‘hearing notices’ and letters – often hand-delivered by individuals who appear to be Sheriff Deputies – which implied they would be taken into custody by the Sheriff if they failed to appear at the phony court for ‘hearings’ or ‘depositions’.”

http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=5763

It costs about $25 to file a lawsuit. Is the summons from anyone you know?