Action Fraud has received reports of a fraudster cold calling members of the public claiming they must pay a debt or face having a bailiff sent round.

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.

Interestingly 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.

Repeat scammer

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) – who analyse reports that come through Action Fraud – have said the name “Derek Jones” has been used in the past 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.

If you receive one of these calls report it to Action Fraud and receive a police crime reference number, by calling 0300 123 2040 or using our online fraud reporting tool.