The official reporting line Action Fraud has received reports of a fraudster cold-calling the public claiming they must pay a debt or face having a bailiff sent round. The caller claims to be from a legitimate company called Jacobs, an enforcement and debt recovery company based in Birkenhead.
The fraudster calling himself “Derek Jones” claims that victims owe a debt and as a result are expected to appear in court in the next two days. The scammer with a Scottish accent is also threatening to send the bailiffs round if the debt is not paid. Action Fraud points out that Jacobs do have an employee called Derek Jones – but the company has confirmed that he is an office worker and not Scottish like the fraudster calling victims.
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) – who analyse reports that come through Action Fraud – have said the name “Derek Jones” has been used before to scare victims into paying for advertising space they have not agreed too. HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) have also received a high volume of calls from concerned members of the public wanting to know if they are expected to appear in court. If you are ever unsure as to whether a call is genuine, do not be afraid to end the call immediately by hanging up.
