text Message from HMCTS - "Financial Imposition" Threat of Arrest Warrant

ltcolumbo80

Hi all, I received a text message from HMCTS wales as follows :-


"Please contact Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals  Service on 03001 239252 regarding your financial imposition quoting reference number xxxxxxxxW 080"

When I googled the telephone number it's legit, not a scam as I  first thought.  I rang but they won't give me any information until I give them personal details which I refused.  I gave my name and they confirmed that's the person that they have on file, but when they started asking for more information I refused.  They threatened that if I don't pay £625 they'll issue a warrant for my arrest, but won't give me any information on when/where/how I supposedly owe them this money.  

The threat of arrest makes me think it's criminal and I know I've never had any criminal charges or fines in my life. I had a couple of  speeding offences years ago that aren't even on my licence any more, and the fines were paid.  Besides the fines were nothing, certainly not £625.

Finally,  I'm not sure if it's relevant but I live in Scotland and this is from the Welsh courts. 

I'm terrified of being arrested, I've never been in trouble with the police in my life and out of the blue I'm being told to pay several hundred pounds for goodness knows what or I'm going to be arrested, I'm so scared.  

I forgot to mention, I was originally directed to call the Historical Debt Team which is who I spoke to, so I've no idea when I supposedly incurred this fine/court fee or whatever it is, but other than 2 standard speeding fines there's nothing. They also said I can't dispute it as its past that stage, I apparently would've been able to dispute it when I was originally contacted or the debt was imposed, neither of which happened. 

Many thanks in advance for any advice or peace of mind. This threat of arrest is keeping me awake, and scared to go out.  I am agoraphobic and suffer from depression and anxiety which this threat isn't helping.  

katsu

Go to Citizen's Advice?
Call a local court if you have any doubt this is legitimate? 
I would think you should give your personal details once you are sure this is legitimate,  to figure out if this is an ID mix up or what happened. 

bargainbetty

Write to them - the address is on the Gov.uk website as Contact and Compliance Centre, P.O. Box 84, Cwmbran, NP44 1ZP
Give them the reference number you were given in the text, and request a copy of the court order be sent to you by Royal Mail, as you are currently unaware of the proceedings. If it is legitimate, they will be able to do so.  

EssexHebridean

Personally at the same time I would be stating that all further correspondence should be in writing, not via text message.  If I got such a message I would simply dismiss it as spam without even bothering to check the telephone number given!