Action Fraud are warning UK based consumers and businesses to be aware of scam text messages, emails, and fake bailiff calls.
Fraudsters claiming to be bailiffs are sending SMS messages or making calls to targets across the UK in the hope of pressuring them to pay fictitious debts.
This is a new type of financial scam to be aware of.
If you have received a postal demand from “High Court Bailiffs” or “High Court Debt Recovery Bailiffs” anytime from September 2025, read here: Fake Bailiff 2: The Return (of the Dodgy Postal Demand).
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What Is the New Fake Bailiff Text and Call Scam?
The fake bailiff scam sees victims receive texts from the fraudsters about a fake debt. They claim that they will “attend your address for resolution” if payment of the imaginary debt is not made.
These messages are causing fear and confusion as people genuinely believe a bailiff is coming to seize goods.
Some of these texts include limited contact details for the fake bailiffs, but many do not.
We have received thousands of calls over the last 5 years or more from concerned members of the public who have received text messages similar to those described below, and they do cause genuine concern.
If you have received one of the messages below, do not panic. Our investigations show these messages are spam/fake, and we have received no reports of any of the promised visits occurring.
Is This a Scam? Example Scam Texts from Bailiffs
If you are in debt, you may be tricked into thinking that scam bailiffs are genuine. If you’re thinking it might be a scam, refer to these examples.
Example Scam SMS Content
Scam bailiff text messages and phone calls all originate from numbers that cannot receive replies. Here are some example scam texts we’ve seen from fake bailiffs.
| We have tried to contact you regarding your outstanding arrears. We will be attending your address for resolution before escalation to CCJ/Collections |
| We have tried to contact you regarding your outstanding arrears. We are attending your address for resolution on [DATE] before escalation to CCJ/Enforcement. |
| We have tried to contact you regarding your outstanding arrears. We will be attending [POSTCODE] to carry out enforcement/collections. |
| This is an important message for the immediate attention of [YOUR NAME] only. Multiple attempts to contact you have failed. Enforcement agents will be attending [HOUSE NUMBER] [POSTCODE] imminently for immediate resolution. |
| This is an important message for [YOUR NAME] only. We have failed to contact you to resolve your outstanding balance arrears. This has now been passed on to enforcement and collections. Enforcement agents will be attending [HOUSE NUMBER] [POSTCODE] on [DATE]. |
| DO NOT IGNORE. This is an important message for [YOUR NAME]. We are attending [HOUSENUMBER] [POSTCODE] within 7 days to resolve balance or list goods for removal. If you are in any legal / asset / debt protection scheme, please have relevant documentation available. |
| Our client has instructed us to recover the balance owed to them as detailed below: Case ref: [REFERENCE]. Please make payment in full within 7 days to avoid further recover action. Your possessions may be listed for removal. Enforcement & Collections team will be attending [HOUSENUMBER] [POSTCODE] within 7 days to. To avoid further recovery action, please make payment in full. |
| DO NOT IGNORE. IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR THE ATTENTION OF [YOUR NAME] ONLY. Our client has instructed us to recover the full balance due to them reference number [REFERENCE]. Enforcement agents will be attending [HOUSENUMBER] [POSTCODE] this week to recover balance in full. Your possessions may be listed for removal. If you are in any asset, legal or debt protection scheme, you will need to have any proof or documentation readily available |
| DO NOT IGNORE. IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR [YOUR NAME] ONLY. Enforcement agents will be attending [HOUSENUMBER] [POSTCODE] within 48 hours to collect outstanding balance in full or list goods for removal. To avoid this outcome, please make payment in full immediately. |
| NOTICE OF INTENTION FOR [YOUR NAME] Our records show that despite our previous applications for payment, your account remains outstanding. Enforcement agents are working in your area and will be attending [HOUSENUMBER] [POSTCODE] and your account has been placed under their control. Under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 we are authorized to seize goods in respect of this matter. |
| NOTICE OF INTENTION FOR [YOUR NAME]. Due to previous failed attempts to resolve our agents will be attending [POSTCODE] to collect the full balance or seize goods Under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013. If you are in any asset, legal or debt protection scheme, you will need to have any proof or documentation readily available |
| DO NOT IGNORE. IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR [YOUR NAME] ONLY. Our client has instructed us to recover the full balance due to them ref: GR1542761B. Enforcement agents will be attending [HOUSE NUMBER] [POSTCODE] to recover balance in full or take control of goods under the Taking Control of Goods Act 2013 within 7 days. |
| This is an important message for [YOUR NAME] only. We have failed to contact you to resolve your outstanding arrears. Enforcement & Collections agents will be attending [HOUSENUMBER] [POSTCODE] imminently to collect balance in full or list goods for removal. To avoid this outcome, please make payment. |
| LEGAL NOTICE FOR [YOUR NAME] Enforcement & Collections agents will be attending [HOUSE NUMBER] [POSTCODE] on [DATE] between 6am-6pm in relation to your outstanding balance. Despite numerous attempts to contact you for resolution, we have been unable to reach you. This matter has now been passed on to collections. Please make payment immediately or your possessions may be listed for removal and you may incur additional costs. If you are in any asset, legal or debt protection scheme, you will need any relevant documents readily available |
| DO NOT IGNORE. IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR [YOUR NAME] ONLY. Despite numerous attempts to contact you to resolve your outstanding balance, we have been unable to reach you. This matter has now been passed for enforcement and collections. To avoid further charges being added to your account please make payment in full immediately. Enforcement agents will be attending [YOUR POSTCODE] this week. Your possessions may be listed for removal. |
| LEGAL NOTICE FOR [YOUR NAME] Enforcement & collection agents will be attending [YOUR POSTCODE] on [DATE] between 6am-6pm in relation to the outstanding balance. Despite numerous attempts to contact you for resolution we have been unable to reach you. This matter has now been passed on to collections. Please make payment immediately or your possessions may be listed for removal and you may incur additional costs. If you are in any asset, legal or debt protection scheme, you will need any relevant documents available. |
| YOUR CASE HAS NOW BEEN PRIORITIZED FOR THE REMOVAL OF YOUR GOODS WITHIN 48 HOURS. Despite several previous attempts and correspondence, you have failed to make the payment of your debt. We are now informing you that we will be attending your property [YOUR POSTCODE] to execute the court distress liability order forthwith with immediate effect to take control of your goods. If you are in a legal/Debt scheme have documents readily available. |
| Enforcement & collection agents will be attending [YOUR POSTCODE] within 48 hours in relation to your outstanding balance. Despite numerous attempts to contact you for resolution we have been unable to reach you. This matter has now been passed on to enforcement. Please make payment immediately or your possessions may be listed for removal and you may incur additional costs. If you are in any asset, legal or debt protection scheme, you will need any relevant documents available. |
| LEGAL NOTICE You have failed to contact us. This matter has escalated and an Enforcement agent will attend [YOUR POSTCODE] within 7 days to remove your goods as per court order. |
| Despite our previous requests for payment, your account remains outstanding. Enforcement agents are working in your area and your account has been placed under their control. Under the Taking Control of Goods Act Regulations 2013 we are authorised to seize goods in respect of this matter. They will be attending [YOUR POSTCODE] within 7 days. if you are in any Debt/Legal/asset protection Scheme please ensure you have documents readily available to validate this. |
| DO NOT IGNORE. Despite our previous requests for payment, your account remains outstanding. Enforcement agents are working in your area and your account has been placed under their control. Under The Taking Control Of Goods Act Regulations 2013 we are authorised to seize goods in respect of this matter. They will be attending [YOUR POSTCODE] within 48 hours. If you are in any Legal Scheme ensure you have documents readily available to validate this. |
Example Scam Bailiff Sender Names or Contact Names
Some of the sender names we have seen to date include:
- DONOTIGNORE
- LEGAL NOTICE
- RECOVERIES
- TL COLLECT
- SL COLLECT
- ENFORCEMENT
- URGENTRQD
- DEMAND
- FINAL DEMAND
- IDPVCOLLECT
- JOHN HUTCHINSON
- JACK HUTCHINSON
- C J HORSFALL
Since scammers tend to use disposable senders, there’s a good chance that you’ll see a similar sender that is not listed here.
Example Scam Bailiff Reference Numbers
Many of these messages also reuse the same reference number in numerous texts. To date, we have seen references including
- RDCZ17492
- RCV17529
- 8743687373
- GR1542761B
- 17269STQ51
Keep in mind that these reference numbers are likely random, so there may be many new variations.
Example Bailiff Scam Email Examples
HMRC reports that fake bailiff scam emails are also being sent out regarding fictional county court judgments. These emails may come from the name John Hutchinson or Jack Hutchinson.
This is a two-step scam email that may be followed up with a scam phone call from the fake bailiff.
Example Fake Notice of Enforcement
HMRC also shared this example of a fake Notice of Enforcement. This fake document may be attached to scam emails that you receive.
How to Spot a Fake or Scam Debt Collection Text or Email
If you know what to look for, scam texts are easy to distinguish from those of a genuine Bailiff, High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO) or even debt collector. A genuine Enforcement Officer (Bailiff) or High Court Enforcement Officer will never:
- Send an anonymous text message
- Cold call and demand immediate payment over the phone “to stop enforcement”
- Refuse to confirm the name of the creditor or the reason for the alleged debt
- Refuse to provide contact details for the company, hide the name of the company or the names of its agents.
So the biggest clue is a number or sender that does not allow you to reply.
Again, such texts are not genuine. We have spoken to hundreds of recipients, and not one has been visited by any enforcement officers or bailiffs.
A Enforcement Officer (Bailiff) or High Court Enforcement Officer will always:
- Write by normal first class post to the enforcement address before any visit takes place
- Carry identification to confirm their identity and the identity of their employer
- Carry sufficient documentation to confirm the judgment is valid and provide details, including the court claim number, when requested
- Leave a sealed notification of attendance if they have visited an address in an effort to secure payment.
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What Do I Do If I Receive a Scam Text or Email?
If you have received a nuisance or spam text or email, you can:
- Report it to Information Commissioner
- Report it to your phone provider free of charge by forwarding the text message to 7726 (Vodafone users should forward to 87726), on the advice of Which?
Do not reply to the text message. Report it, then delete it.
Should I Pay a Bailiff After Receiving a Text or Phone Call?
If you are in any doubt as to the validity of the claim being pursued or you have doubts about the company or people “collecting” it, then we would recommend you do not pay anything.
If someone does attend your address and attempts to collect goods or money without paperwork, do not let them in. Call the police on 101 (call 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated).
Genuine bailiffs and Enforcement Officers will:
- Welcome the attendance of the police
- Allow you to contact them
- Provide the Court Claim Number so you can verify if a judgment exists with the court.
What Can Bailiffs Do If They Visit My House?
Bailiffs have certain powers when they visit your house, but in general, they cannot force their way in.
They cannot enter your home if you have children or vulnerable people in the property.
If you let a bailiff in, first ask to see their ID card. You may also ask for the phone number for the company they work for.
More details on what a bailiff can and cannot do when they visit an address to collect can be found on the .gov site here or the Citizens Advice service here.
What Do I Do If I Made Payment to a Fake Bailiff?
If you have already paid a fake bailiff after a scam email, text, or phone call:
- Immediately contact your bank using the number on the back of your debit or credit card (do not provide any information if the bank calls you; hang up and return the call using the number on your card)
- Report the issue to Action Fraud
Please note that we at Safe Collections do not send unsolicited text messages to anyone, and we do not conduct any home visits. These messages did not originate with us.
