A UK local court has issued a warning to the public, urging vigilance against scammers pretending to be court bailiffs. These fraudsters use phone calls to intimidate victims, claiming they owe outstanding debts and must pay immediately to avoid property seizure.

Rising Cases of Bailiff Fraud in the UK

Fraudulent activities targeting UK residents have been a persistent issue, but criminals have now adopted a new tactic—posing as bailiffs. According to British media reports, these scammers claim that failure to pay an alleged debt will result in their belongings being confiscated.

To add legitimacy to their scheme, they provide fake court contact numbers, pressuring victims into making payments to avoid legal consequences.

Real Cases of Scam Attempts

Recent reports highlight how individuals like Paul from Northumberland and Victoria from Cheshire narrowly escaped falling for these fraudulent calls due to their quick thinking. They recognized the red flags and took immediate action to verify the legitimacy of the claims.

Ministry of Justice Responds

The UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has condemned these fraudulent activities, emphasizing that impersonating a court official is a criminal offense. Officials have advised:

  • Do not engage with suspicious callers.
  • Immediately hang up if someone claims to be a bailiff and pressures you for payment.
  • Verify the caller’s legitimacy by directly calling your local court using the official contact details.

How to Protect Yourself from Bailiff Scams

To safeguard against such scams, follow these essential precautions:

  • Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
  • Request official documentation before making any payments.
  • Check with the local court through their verified contact details.
  • Report suspicious activity to authorities to prevent others from becoming victims.

Stay Alert and Report Scams

Authorities urge the public to stay alert and spread awareness about this ongoing scam. If you receive a suspicious call, report it to your local authorities or the Action Fraud UK helpline to help combat fraudulent activities.