Ask for their details
Ask for the agent’s full name, company, identification, the address concerned and the reference for the instruction. Do not use contact details shown only on a message they have sent you.
Public verification service
Verify a UK Bailiffs Enforcement Agent
If someone says they are acting for UK Bailiffs, you can check their certificate and confirm the attendance directly with our office. Do not rely on a phone number, link or bank detail supplied by the caller.
A genuine agent will allow you reasonable time to make an independent check.
Official register
Check the agent’s name and certificate status.
Direct confirmation
Confirm the agent, address and instruction with us.
Published number
Call 0330 133 1818—not a number given at the door.
If you believe you are in immediate danger
Official scam guidance
Call 999. For suspected impersonation or another non-emergency police matter, call 101.
A simple three-step check
How to verify the person contacting you
Keep the door closed if you prefer. You can carry out these checks without handing over money or sharing bank details.
Check the public register
Search the official Certificated Bailiff Register. The name should match the person’s identification.
Call UK Bailiffs
Call 0330 133 1818 from your own phone. Give us the name, reference and address so we can confirm whether the contact or attendance is ours.
Understand the result
What each verification check tells you
The official register confirms certification
The Ministry of Justice register can be used to check whether a named individual appears as a certificated enforcement agent.
- The agent’s recorded name
- The court that issued the certificate
- The certificate expiry date
A register entry does not, by itself, prove that a particular visit, telephone call or payment request is connected to UK Bailiffs.
Our office confirms the instruction
We can check our own case records and tell you whether the named person is attending or contacting you for UK Bailiffs.
- Whether the person is acting for UK Bailiffs
- Whether we hold an instruction for the address
- Whether the reference and reason for contact correspond
To protect personal information, we will confirm only what is reasonably necessary to verify the contact.
Warning signs
These are not UK Bailiffs’ practices
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Requesting payment to an individual’s personal bank account
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Requesting payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or another unusual payment method
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Refusing to identify themselves or provide a case reference
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Trying to prevent you from independently calling our published office number
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Claiming they can arrest you—enforcement agents do not have a power of arrest
If something does not match
Report a concern or suspected impersonation
A missing register result, mismatched name or unconfirmed instruction should be treated seriously—but it does not require confrontation.
Concern about identity or fraud
Close the door or end the call. Keep any message, telephone number, payment details, photograph or document you have received. Call us directly. Contact the police on 999 for an emergency or 101 for a non-emergency.
Call UK Bailiffs to check →Concern about an agent’s conduct
If we confirm the agent and instruction but you are concerned about what happened, record the date, time and details. Our complaints process explains how the matter will be reviewed.
Read our complaints policy →Received a letter from us?
Our information page explains the sensible first checks to make, how to contact us and why ignoring a genuine notice can reduce the options available to resolve the matter.
Guidance for recipients →Privacy when you contact us
We may ask for limited information, such as the address, postcode or reference, to find the instruction. We will not disclose more personal or client information than is necessary for the verification.
Read our privacy policy →Understand the role and legal powers
Verification confirms identity and authority; it does not mean every bailiff or enforcement agent has the same powers. Our plain-English guide explains the different roles, the source of relevant powers and why the type of instruction matters.
Read what a bailiff is and what powers may apply → Verification FAQs
Common questions
What is a certificated enforcement agent?
A certificated enforcement agent is an individual authorised under a County Court certificate to use the Schedule 12 taking-control-of-goods procedure. The public register records certificate information, including the issuing court and expiry date.
Does appearing on the register prove the visit is genuine?
No. It confirms the certificate information recorded for that name. To confirm that the person is acting for UK Bailiffs on a genuine instruction, call our published number on 0330 133 1818.
Does every type of bailiff appear on this register?
No. This register is for certificated enforcement agents. GOV.UK explains that other types, including County Court bailiffs, civilian enforcement officers and High Court enforcement officers, have different official checks. A person claiming to be a UK Bailiffs certificated enforcement agent can be checked here and directly with our office.
Can I verify an agent without opening the door?
Yes. You can keep the door closed while you ask for the person’s name and reference, search the official register and call our office independently.
What if I cannot find the agent’s name on the register?
Do not make a payment or provide bank details. Check the spelling and call us immediately. We will confirm whether the person and contact are connected to UK Bailiffs. If you suspect impersonation, report it to the police.
What information will UK Bailiffs ask me for?
We will usually need the agent’s name plus enough information to locate the matter, such as the address, postcode or case reference. We will keep the verification proportionate and protect personal information.
What should I do if the ID name does not match the register?
Do not hand over money or personal financial information. End the contact or keep the door closed, call us on 0330 133 1818, and contact the police if you believe someone is impersonating an enforcement agent.
Unsure whether the contact is genuine?
Do not guess and do not pay first. Call the UK Bailiffs office using the number published on this website and we will check the details.
Verification guidance for England and Wales. Page reviewed 6 September 2026.
