The Government is warning people to be on alert for fraudsters posing as court bailiffs and enforcement officers on the telephone.

After claiming to be County Court bailiffs, High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) or Certificated Enforcement Agents (CEAs), the scammers go on to say that the person they are calling owes money, before demanding that the money be transferred into a bank account.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service has confirmed that it will never telephone to ask for bank details or to demand a bank transfer using a sort code and account number, and urges members of the public against making any payment or providing bank details to anyone who calls asking for this information and claims to be a county court bailiff, HCEO or CEA.

Those who suspect they have been approached by fraudsters are advised to end the call and contact their local county court, the High Court Enforcement Officers Association or the Civil Enforcement Officers Association.

Victims of this scam should report the matter to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040.