If you’ve been out and returned home to find a card through your letterbox, you may be wondering whether a bailiff has called and what it means. Receiving a bailiff calling card can be unsettling, particularly if you weren’t expecting a visit.
In many cases, bailiffs do leave a calling card if they visit your property and no one answers the door. The card is usually intended to let you know they attended and explain what happens next.
Knowing what information should be on the card and what your options are can help you deal with the situation before it escalates.
What is a bailiff calling card?
A bailiff calling card is a notice left at your property after an unsuccessful visit. It confirms that an enforcement agent attended and usually asks you to get in touch.
The card may include:
- The bailiff’s name or ID number
- The enforcement company
- Contact details
- A reference number
- Information about the debt
- Instructions on how to make payment or get in contact
Some companies use printed cards, while others may leave a handwritten notice or letter.
Do bailiffs always leave a calling card?
Not always.
While many bailiffs leave a calling card if nobody is home, there is no legal requirement for them to do so after every visit.
Instead, they may:
- Leave a Notice of Attendance.
- Leave other enforcement paperwork.
- Record that they attended without leaving a card in certain circumstances.
Whether a card is left can depend on the type of debt, the enforcement company and the stage of the recovery process.
What should you do if you receive a bailiff calling card?
Finding a calling card doesn’t necessarily mean bailiffs will immediately remove your belongings.
Instead, you should:
- Read the information carefully.
- Check who the enforcement company is.
- Confirm the debt relates to you.
- Contact the bailiff or creditor if you’re unsure why they’ve visited.
- Seek advice if you’re unable to pay.
Ignoring the card could lead to further visits and additional enforcement fees.
Does a calling card mean bailiffs will come back?
In many cases, yes.
If the debt remains unpaid or no arrangement is made, bailiffs may return to your property.
Depending on the circumstances, they could:
- Make another visit.
- Attempt to contact you by phone or letter.
- Add further enforcement fees where permitted.
- Take further enforcement action if they have the legal authority.
Responding promptly often gives you more options than waiting for another visit.
Can bailiffs enter your home if they leave a calling card?
Simply leaving a calling card does not give bailiffs the right to enter your property.
For most types of debt, bailiffs still need peaceful entry. This means they generally cannot:
- Break down your door.
- Force entry on a first visit.
- Climb through windows.
- Push past you.
If you weren’t home, leaving a card doesn’t change the rules about when they can legally enter your property.
How can you check if the calling card is genuine?
Unfortunately, scammers sometimes pretend to be bailiffs to pressure people into making payments.
Before responding:
- Check the enforcement company’s details independently.
- Verify any reference numbers.
- Make sure the debt relates to you.
- Avoid using contact details from suspicious-looking cards without checking them first.
If you’re unsure, contact the creditor directly or seek advice before making any payment.
What happens if you ignore a bailiff calling card?
Ignoring a calling card won’t make the debt disappear.
Depending on the type of debt, bailiffs may:
- Return to your property.
- Continue contacting you.
- Add further enforcement fees.
- Take action against goods they are legally allowed to seize, such as a vehicle.
It’s usually better to deal with the situation as early as possible rather than waiting for enforcement to continue.
How Bailiff Helpline can help
If you’ve found a bailiff calling card at your home and aren’t sure what to do next, Bailiff Helpline can explain what it means and what your options are.
They can help you understand whether the enforcement is being carried out correctly, explain your rights, and discuss ways to resolve the debt before further action is taken.
Receiving a bailiff calling card can be worrying, but it doesn’t mean you have no options. In many cases, it’s simply a notification that a bailiff has attempted to make contact.
Taking the time to check the details, understand your rights and respond appropriately can help prevent the situation from becoming more serious and may even avoid additional enforcement costs.
