Quick answer
How can you respond to The Sheriffs Office?
Confirm the type of High Court order and secure the account. A money writ, possession order and controlled-goods return each create different immediate risks.
Check for a payment scam
Use the debtor number and email published by SHCE Ltd.
Identify money or possession
A writ of possession is not handled like an instalment debt.
Monitor the account
The free debtor app can show balances, arrangements and payment status.
The company publishes a specific scam warning
How to verify a genuine contact from The Sheriffs Office
Published debtor contacts
- Debtor telephone: 0333 003 0420
- Debtor email: enforcement@thesheriffsoffice.com
- Main office: 2 Marine Road, Colwyn Bay
- Case reference on the writ or notice
- Official payment route linked from the website
Warning signs
- Caller demands an immediate bank transfer
- Caller asks for online-banking credentials
- Reference does not match any court document
- Payment account cannot be verified independently
- Threats do not match the type of order
- Caller refuses a main-office verification call
The Sheriffs Office says it may call to discuss a warrant or writ and can accept card payment or set up direct debit over the phone.
It specifically says it will not telephone asking you to make a bank transfer using your sort code and account number. End a suspicious call and dial the debtor number independently.
A company-specific account tool
What the Sheriffs Office debtor app can show
| App feature | Practical use | What it does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| Payment portal connection | Pay using the unique case reference. | That a separate court application or dispute has succeeded. |
| Balance and plan details | See the current amount and arrangement status. | That all fees are correct without an itemised statement. |
| Payment reminders | Reduce the risk of accidental default. | That a late payment has been waived. |
| Multiple cases | Add more than one case reference to one account. | That debts can be combined into one legal writ. |
Money and property orders need different action
Is The Sheriffs Office enforcing a writ of control or possession?
Writ of control
- Enforces a judgment for money
- Allows control of non-exempt goods
- High Court money fee stages apply
- Payment or creditor-approved plan may resolve it
- Stay or set aside may require court action
Writ of possession or delivery
- Concerns land, premises or a specific asset
- Can lead to eviction or recovery of property
- An instalment offer may not address possession
- Urgent court relief can be time-critical
- Occupiers and named defendants may have different rights
High Court fees are triggered by events
Enforcement stage 1 versus enforcement stage 2
| High Court stage | Current fixed fee | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | £79 | Added when the High Court Notice of Enforcement is issued. |
| Enforcement stage 1 | £200 | A 7.5% fee also applies to the part of the sum above £1,200. |
| Enforcement stage 2 | £520 | Can be added only when the statutory stage-two trigger is met. |
| Sale or disposal | £550 | A 7.5% fee also applies to the part above £1,200, plus permitted disbursements. |
Enforcement stage 1 normally begins with the first attendance to take control of goods. The percentage fee applies to the part of the sum over the statutory threshold.
Stage 2 is not charged for every repeat visit. It can arise only where the statutory condition for that stage is met, commonly after a controlled-goods arrangement is breached and a further attendance is needed.
Ask The Sheriffs Office for the event and date relied on if a £520 stage-two fee appears.
A listed-goods plan changes the risk
What happens after signing a controlled goods agreement?
A controlled goods agreement allows listed goods to remain with you while payments are maintained. Ownership does not transfer, but the goods are under legal control.
Do not sell, hide, damage or dispose of listed goods. Contact The Sheriffs Office before a payment is missed and request a written variation.
A breach can lead to a return to remove the goods and may support the statutory stage-two fee. Re-entry rights can be stronger than on the original residential visit.
The High Court controls the writ
When a court application may be needed
A payment dispute, complaint or debtor-app message does not itself suspend a writ. Where the judgment is challenged or time is needed, advice may be required about a stay of execution, set aside, appeal or variation.
Applications are commonly made using form N244, but the court, grounds and evidence depend on the original proceedings. Filing the application does not stop enforcement until the court orders a stay or a written discretionary hold is agreed.
Send the sealed order immediately to enforcement@thesheriffsoffice.com and the creditor. Keep proof of delivery.
Conduct complaints follow a separate route
How to complain to The Sheriffs Office
Complaints can be sent to complaints@thesheriffsoffice.com, made on 0333 003 0420 or posted to its Complaints Officer in Swansea.
Include the reference, parties to the writ, attendance dates, factual chronology, supporting documents and the remedy requested.
The company says complaints about whether the writ is legal or the amount stated on it should be directed to the court or judgment creditor.
Verified SHCE Ltd debtor details
The Sheriffs Office contact number and company details
Use these official routes for The Sheriffs Office. Verify unexpected payment requests independently and quote the writ or case reference.
Customer telephone
Use for debtor enquiries, payment discussions and verification of contact.
Debtor email
enforcement@thesheriffsoffice.com
Use for account documents, court orders and written enforcement enquiries.
Complaints email
complaints@thesheriffsoffice.com
State the writ reference, chronology, evidence and requested remedy.
Colwyn Bay office
SHCE Ltd
2 Marine Road
Colwyn Bay
LL29 8PH
Use the case reference on all written correspondence.
Cardiff registered office
22 St Andrews Crescent
Cardiff
CF10 3DD
The registered company address is separate from the main debtor office.
SHCE Ltd
Company number: 06422666
The Sheriffs Office is a trading name of SHCE Ltd.
The Sheriffs Office website
Use the official website to verify payment, app and contact information.
Enforcement Conduct Board
ECB accredited
Eligible unresolved enforcement complaints can be escalated after the internal process.
Need help with The Sheriffs Office?
Request a confidential assessment of the writ, controlled goods and affordable next steps.
Frequently asked questions
The Sheriffs Office questions
Yes. It is the trading name of SHCE Ltd and carries out High Court enforcement and related property work.
The official contact page publishes 0333 003 0420 for debtors.
Yes. Its free debtor app can connect to payments, show balances and plans, send reminders and hold multiple case references.
Its scam warning says it will not telephone asking you to make a bank transfer using your sort code and account number.
It is High Court authority to enforce a money judgment by taking control of non-exempt goods and obtaining payment.
It indicates a possession order is being enforced. Urgent housing or legal advice may be needed because this is not only a payment issue.
Only when the statutory stage-two trigger is met. It is not a fee for every repeat visit.
Use complaints@thesheriffsoffice.com, 0333 003 0420 or the published Swansea complaints address.
Not automatically. Obtain a written hold or court stay if enforcement must be suspended.
Official sources checked
Sources used for the The Sheriffs Office guide
The Sheriffs Office contact page
Debtor contact, SHCE Ltd details and scam warning.
Official sourceThe Sheriffs Office debtor app
App features, verification and data-security information.
Official sourceThe Sheriffs Office complaints procedure
Complaint scope, email, phone and postal address.
Official sourceHigh Court enforcement service
Money, asset and High Court service information.
Speak with Bailiff Advice
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