When an enforcement agent calls themselves an officer

High Court Enforcement Officer is a recognised legal office and is not, by itself, a fraudulent description. Other lawful roles include certificated enforcement agents, County Court bailiffs and officers enforcing specified court warrants.

Ask for identity, employer, office and authority for the particular enforcement. Check certificated agents, HCEOs and court-employed officers through the appropriate official register or court.

A false representation requires evidence of what was said and intended. Preserve documents and recordings and make an accurate complaint or report where authority is genuinely misrepresented.

Sources and scope

This site concerns England and Wales. Principal sources include Schedule 12 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014, CPR Part 84 and the GOV.UK bailiff guide.

This article or page was last checked on . The next check will be on . Law and procedure can change; check the current official position before acting.