The rise of ‘scam bailiffs’ - fraudulent individuals posing as Enforcement Agents, has been a major topic in the press over the past two weeks. At Dukes Bailiffs Limited, we are committed to protecting the public by raising awareness of these scams and reinforcing the professionalism and integrity of certificated Enforcement Agents.
Industry response & media coverage
Last week, our Director, Sarah Naylor, acting in her role as President of the Civil Enforcement Association, spoke on BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours to address this growing issue. She explained how to spot a scam bailiff, the key differences between fraudsters and legitimate Enforcement Agents, and what steps individuals can take to protect themselves.
Following this, on Saturday, 15 February, Sarah appeared live on BBC Breakfast with a victim of a scam. She provided expert advice that reassured viewers and highlighted the industry’s proactive approach to tackling fraudulent activity.
How do I know if the bailiff is legitimate?
If you’re unsure whether an Enforcement Agent is genuine, follow the ‘ASK’ acronym for a quick assessment:
The ‘ASK’ Acronym: A simple guide to spotting a scam
A – Awareness: Were you expecting this enforcement action, or has it come out of the blue? A legitimate bailiff (known as an Enforcement Agent) follows a legal process, with prior written notice given.
S – Suspicious: Does something feel off? Fraudsters often demand immediate bank transfers or payments to personal accounts. A real bailiff (known as an Enforcement Agent) will provide multiple secure, verifiable payment options and will never demand payment via bank transfer or via a payment link before visiting your property.
K – Keep calm: A real bailiffs (known as an Enforcement Agent) won’t pressure you into rushed decisions or be angry if you want to do your due diligence. You always have time to check their credentials - call the enforcement company using details from their official website (found on Google) or contact CIVEA to confirm legitimacy.
Important note: A ‘real bailiff’ won’t call themselves a bailiff. The terminology that we, as an industry, use is ‘Enforcement Agent’.
How to spot scam communications
If you receive an unexpected message regarding court proceedings or financial penalties, always verify its legitimacy before taking action. A legitimate Enforcement Agent will never pressure you into making immediate payments or sharing sensitive information.
For official guidance on identifying and reporting suspicious communications, visit gov.uk
Supporting clients and protecting the public
With increased awareness of enforcement scams, individuals may be more cautious when receiving correspondence or visits. We are committed to ensuring that all interactions with Enforcement Agents feel safe, professional, and transparent.
To reassure those in debt, we have enhanced our communication strategies, including branded SMS messages, and our Enforcement Agents are trained to provide ID and allow time for verification when engaging with individuals on the doorstep.
At Dukes Bailiffs Limited, ethical enforcement is at the heart of what we do. By prioritising transparency, education, and professionalism, we help protect the public while supporting our clients with effective, professional debt recovery.
How to verify an Enforcement Agent who works at Dukes
If you have a debt that has been passed to Dukes Bailiffs Limited to collect, you can verify our Enforcement Agent by visiting our debtor website: Dukes Debt Online where you can contact us 24/7 via Livechat, or contact CIVEA.
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