Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
The Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) has identified a 300% increase in reports of people impersonating enforcement agents and using aggressive tactics to scare victims into paying fictitious debts.
CIVEA was notified of 26 ‘fake bailiff’ reports in the first quarter of the year (January – March 2025), almost equal to the amount received during the whole of 2024.
In response, the trade association for civil enforcement agencies in England and Wales has issued advice on identifying a genuine enforcement agent to protect households.
Sarah Naylor, President of CIVEA, said “We are frequently hearing of rogue individuals who pose as enforcement agents, using tactics based on fear and urgency to cause distress for people at their home, online and over the phone. It is a criminal offence to impersonate an enforcement agent and we want to call out this illegal behaviour by explaining what a genuine agent would do differently.
“Many people don’t realise the role of an enforcement agent or they have an opinion based on a stereotypical portrayal from TV or social media. By arming people with information, we hope to empower them to identify an imposter and avoid falling victim to fraud.”
Every enforcement agent is required to hold a certificate granted by the county court which proves they are qualified to work and has sufficient knowledge of the law. CIVEA recommends asking to see the agent’s certificate or ID card, or to search for their name on the Ministry of Justice online Certificated Bailiff Register.
An enforcement agent should be able to provide a unique court reference number for the case. This number can be checked with the corresponding County or Magistrates Court and should appear on all previous correspondence. CIVEA recommends that you remember to ASK:
A = Aware: Are you aware of the debt or fine that is demanded? An enforcement action will not occur without prior notice, and you will have had previous correspondence from the local authority or courts.
S = Suspicion: Does anything seem off, especially email addresses or requests for bank transfers? Fraudsters often demand money straight away, they only offer one payment option, and request monies be transferred to a personal bank account. CIVEA member firms may ask for a debit card payment but they would never request bank account details to arrange a bank transfer. CIVEA recommends withholding your bank account details and refusing a payment if you are unsure.
K = Keep calm:Take a breath and don’t rush to act. A fraudster will try to push their victims into making a payment on the ground it is urgent and would avoid extra fees. Don’t be rushed and, if you are in doubt, make some inquiries. A genuine enforcement agent will be happy for you to make checks.
Naylor concluded “Only a criminal would rush and panic you into paying or sharing your personal information on the spot. A genuine enforcement agent would always allow time for you to check their details and confirm legitimacy if you’re unsure. They would offer multiple payment options, they would not be aggressive or coercive, and you would be contacted multiple times before an agent visits.
“Enforcement is often the last point of contact following multiple attempts to recoup debt, and the objective is to help resolve your debt. Enforcement agents are professionals who are skilled at identifying and supporting genuinely vulnerable people who cannot pay their council tax. Those people are directed to places that can help.
“We understand how people can feel panicked into paying but we encourage everyone to take a breath and withhold their information until they are confident they are dealing with a genuine agent.”
