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What to do if…
you receive a message claiming a warrant will be issued if you do not respond by a deadline

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Pause, do not pay or share personal details through the message, and verify the claim using official contact details you find yourself. If it may relate to an existing court case, bail, police investigation, or a hearing you already know about, contact your solicitor or a criminal defence solicitor now.

Do not do these things

  • Do not pay money to “stop a warrant” or “clear a warrant” through a link, bank transfer, gift card, crypto, cash request, or payment details given in an unexpected message.
  • Do not call back a number, click a link, scan a code, or reply just because the message looks official.
  • Do not confirm your date of birth, National Insurance number, address, bank details, card details, or full ID documents to an unexpected caller.
  • Do not ignore it if you might genuinely be involved in a case, on bail, due at court, or subject to a court fine.
  • Do not post screenshots or letters online for help; they can contain reference numbers and personal data.

What to do now

  1. Get the details in front of you, then stop. Save the voicemail, text, email, letter, or envelope. Write down the deadline, what they want you to do, any reference number, and who they claim to be.
  2. Treat urgency as a warning sign until verified. A real organisation may have deadlines, but scammers also use words like “warrant”, “arrest”, “deadline”, “fine”, and “pay now” to make you act before checking.
  3. Verify through an official route you find independently.
    • If it says HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), use GOV.UK or HMCTS guidance to find official contact details.
    • If it names a specific court, look up that court through the official court service for the part of the UK named in the notice. Ask whether the reference number, hearing, fine, or notice is genuine.
    • If it names a police force, use that police force’s official website or 101 unless there is immediate danger.
  4. If it may relate to an existing criminal case, bail, or a missed hearing, contact a solicitor. Say: “I have received a message saying a warrant may be issued unless I respond by [date]. I need to check whether there is a live court or bail requirement.”
  5. If the message demands money or banking details, stop engaging and report it.
    • Report suspected fraud to Report Fraud if you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
    • If you live in Scotland, Report Fraud directs people to report via 101.
    • If someone is at your door, threatening violence, or you are in immediate danger, call 999.
  6. If you are unsure whether any fine, case, or hearing exists, ask only for verification. Through official contact details, ask what is on record and what proof can be provided. Share only what is needed to locate a record, such as your name, address, date of birth, or reference number. Do not share bank details with an unexpected caller.
  7. If you already replied or paid, limit further harm.
    • Stop replying.
    • Contact your bank’s fraud team immediately if you sent money or card details.
    • Change passwords if you clicked a link and entered login details.
    • Keep the message and payment records in case your bank, police, Report Fraud, the court, or your solicitor asks for them.

What can wait

  • You do not need to explain yourself in detail today before you know whether the message is real.
  • You do not need to argue about the case, fine, or allegation right now.
  • You do not need to contact lots of agencies at once. First verify the notice through an official route, then contact a solicitor if it appears genuine or connected to a real case.
  • You do not need to send ID documents, bank statements, or screenshots to anyone who contacted you unexpectedly.

Important reassurance

It is understandable to panic when you hear the word “warrant”. Slowing down is not the same as ignoring it. Checking through official routes protects you from scams and also helps you act promptly if the deadline is real.

Scope note

These are first steps only to reduce panic, avoid paying a scammer, avoid sharing sensitive details, and verify whether the notice is genuine. If the claim is real or connected to an ongoing case, later decisions may need help from a solicitor or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, financial, professional, or other specialist advice. Court and police processes can vary by the type of case and by where in the UK the matter is being handled. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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