Scam Warning: Scam demanding immediate payment to enforcement officers or bailiffs.
Fraudsters are posing as court enforcement officers and bailiffs acting on behalf of Telford and Wrekin Council, via phone calls to residents and businesses.
Even those without a debt are being targeted and we have had reports of this crime actively taking place locally.
During the calls, the fraudsters claim that the person or business owes money, and demands that they transfer funds directly into a bank account.
If you have a debt with Telford & Wrekin Council, enforcement agents acting on the council’s behalf will never:
- Telephone you to ask for your bank details
- Telephone you to ask you to make a bank transfer using your sort code and account number.
Telford & Wrekin Council may contact you by phone to discuss taking controls of goods if you have an unpaid debt. This would only be the case after a court summons had been obtained and you had received reminders by post and may involve taking debit or credit card payments over the phone.
Councillor Rae Evans, (Labour) Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Customer Services “Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated in their approach and coming up with new ways to steal money from honest people all the time so it’s vital you stay vigilant. If it feels suspicious you must trust yourself, don’t be afraid to end the call and investigate.
“We pride ourselves on exemplary customer service and would never act in an unprofessional or threatening manner.”
ACTION:
If anyone claiming to be a county court bailiff, an HCEO or CEA calls asking for this information, DO NOT make any payment and do not provide your bank details.
You should end the call and contact:
•Telford & Wrekin Council on 01952 383838 if they say they are acting on behalf of the Council
•Your local county court, if the caller says they are from His Majesty’s Courts & Tribunal Service (HMCTS) bailiff. Contact details for county courts are on GOV.UK
•If the caller says they are a High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO) or Civil Enforcement Officers Association (CEOA). Contact the HCEO or the (CIVEA) directly.
If you believe you have been a victim of this scam you should report the matter to:
Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040.
