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You are receiving nuisance SMS text messages from a bailiff company

Block the sender's number, block anonymous or private numbers, never click a link in a message, or download an app from a bailiff's website.

If you download an app from a bailiff's website, they can locate you, track your movements, and come and find you or your vehicle.

Bailiff companies get your mobile number from the DVLA. It is the number you entered on the V5 green new-keeper slip when you got your vehicle and sent it to Swansea.

If you get an unexpected text message from a bailiff company, it means they do not know where you live and are trying to trace you. The debt is usually an unpaid traffic contravention debt using a vehicle registered to another address.

Anyone who sends another person electronic communication or document to cause distress or anxiety with the purpose of obtaining an unlawful money transfer is guilty of an offence.

If the message is causing you anxiety or distress, the sender commits an offence under Section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988.

Section 1 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 also provides prohibition of harassment.

Report them to your mobile phone provider free of charge by forwarding the message to 7726. Vodafone uses 87726.

Bailiff companies send text messages asking you to call them because they do not know where you are and are not even sure if your mobile number is correct. They send messages to provoke a response and will ask you to confirm your address. They are trying to gather information about you.

Examples of such messages:

You have failed to make contact with Newlyn. ENFORCEMENT AGENT IS DUE TO ATTEND to REMOVE GOODS as per COURT ORDER. To AVOID ACTION call 01604 633001
DO NOT IGNORE THIS MESSAGE. An Enforcement Agent may be re-allocated to your account and your goods may be removed. Contact JBW on 0844 576 3620, Ref 1234567 Your account will shortly be issued to an Enforcement Agent to visit you at your home. Contact JBW on 0844 576 3620, Ref 1234567 Security code 1234 ENFORCEMENT AGENTS DUE TO GAIN ENTRY TO TAKE CONTROL OF GOODS FROM REGISTERED ADDRESS UNDER COURT WARRANT OF CONTROL, Liability ORDER. FURTHER CHARGES FOR ACTIONS MAY BE APPLIED TODAY BETWEEN 14.05 & 14.15PM. RETURN HOME NOW OR TO STOP CALL 07854438420. PLS QUOTE REF 374820

If the sender's number is concealed or unroutable, the message is spam. Report it to the ICO online.

Otherwise, follow these simple steps:

  1. On Android, go to Settings >> Spam protection in your text messaging app and enable it.
  2. Use apps like WhosCall to identify unknown numbers. These apps can globally block spam numbers.
  3. Call your phone company and request their nuisance or malicious calls team to block the sender.
  4. Show the demand is false by doing a debt compliance check and an enforcement compliance check.
  5. Android 6.0 and newer lets you report spam directly from the message to add to the global spammer list.
  6. Report the offender to police using the complaint template below and call 101. Dishonest messages may breach Section 993 of the Companies Act 2006.

Make a criminal complaint of Harassment by Text Message

Download harassment complaint template

Under Section 3 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, you can claim damages for anxiety or financial loss caused by harassment.

You can apply for an injunction and ask for costs. Use court form EX160a if you are on low income and ask your county court for the required forms.

Your form should explain:

If diagnosed due to spam or nuisance texts from bailiffs, you may file a personal injury claim, even if it aggravated a pre-existing condition. Doctor's fees for a statement can be included in your claim.

Do not reply to any text messages. Save them in case the court asks to see them.

Emails:

Bailiffs may also send spam emails. If threatening, report them to the police. Mark senders as "junk" in your email client or webmail to help block future spam for all users.