CIVEA warns households not to let holidays leave them vulnerable to fraudsters posing as enforcement agents

CIVEA warns households not to let holidays leave them vulnerable to fraudsters posing as enforcement agents.

People are being urged to stay alert to criminals posing as bailiffs while holidays, travel and changes to normal routines can make households more vulnerable to scams.

The Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA), which represents over 95 percent of civil enforcement agencies in England and Wales, is reminding the public how to distinguish a genuine enforcement agent from a fraudster following previous reports of criminals using fear, urgency and aggressive demands for payment.

CIVEA says scammers can exploit periods when people are distracted, away from home or dealing with holiday arrangements, with unexpected messages about supposed unpaid council tax, parking penalties or other debts designed to cause panic.

The association is encouraging people to remember its simple ASK advice before making any payment or sharing financial information.

Amy Collins, President of CIVEA, said: “When people are looking forward to holidays and spending time with family, criminals know that changes in routine can make it easier to catch somebody off guard.

“A message claiming you have an unpaid debt can be alarming at any time. If it arrives while you are rushing to the airport, packing for a trip or returning to a pile of post, there is a temptation to deal with it immediately just to make the problem go away.

“That sense of urgency is exactly what a fraudster wants to create. Our message is simple: stop, make checks and ASK before you pay.”

CIVEA’s ASK framework encourages people to consider:

A – Aware

Are you aware of the debt or fine being demanded?

Genuine enforcement action does not begin without prior notification. There should have been previous correspondence relating to the debt from a local authority, court or other creditor.

S – Suspicion

Does anything about the contact seem unusual?

People should be particularly cautious of unexpected requests to transfer money into a personal bank account, limited payment options, suspicious email addresses or somebody demanding immediate payment without allowing checks to be made.

K – Keep calm

Do not allow yourself to be rushed into paying.

A genuine enforcement agent will allow somebody who is uncertain about their identity to verify their details. Certificated enforcement agents are required to hold a certificate granted by the county court and can be checked through the Ministry of Justice’s online Certificated Bailiff Register.

Amy added: “Fraudsters depend on people reacting before they have time to think. They may say that payment has to be made immediately, threaten additional consequences or try to stop someone from checking whether they are genuine.

“Professional enforcement simply does not operate in that way. Enforcement agents work within a regulated process and will be able to identify themselves and explain why they are making contact. People will normally have received correspondence before an enforcement visit takes place and anyone who is unsure should feel able to verify an agent’s identity before proceeding.

“Our members speak to people in challenging circumstances every day and professionalism, communication and identifying vulnerability are fundamental parts of that work.

“That is why public awareness matters. If something feels wrong, keep calm, withhold your financial information and check who you are dealing with.”

Anyone approached by somebody claiming to be an enforcement agent can ask to see their certificate or identification and check the agent’s details against the Ministry of Justice Certificated Bailiff Register.

CIVEA represents approximately 40 enforcement companies, accounting for more than 95 per cent of the civil enforcement industry in England and Wales.

Ends

For more information contact: Paul Suart, PLMR (07824 606513) or email civea@plmr.co.uk

Notes to editors

· The Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) is the principal trade association representing civil enforcement agencies employing around 1500 certificated enforcement agents in England and Wales.

· CIVEA is partnered with the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB), which provides independent oversight of the enforcement industry.

· CIVEA represents approximately 40 companies that make up more than 95% of the entire enforcement industry.

· CIVEA’s members work to enforce civil debt on behalf of local authorities and His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) including unpaid council tax, criminal fines and unpaid penalty charge notices. Civil enforcement prevents losses to the public purse of an estimated £12 billion – a cost that taxpayers would otherwise bear.

· CIVEA members seek to secure payment from those who won’t pay, not those who can’t pay. The profession has strict safeguards in place to protect vulnerable people and to support those towards debt and welfare advice.