Fake Court Summons Email UK: Check Before You Panic
Genuine HMCTS email is sent from an address ending in `@justice.gov.uk`. Check the real sender before acting.
What a fake court summons email looks like
This scam is an email claiming you've an unpaid fine, a missed court appearance, or an outstanding warrant, with a link to 'pay now' or 'view your summons'. An example of the style: A Penalty Charge Notice has been issued against you. Failure to respond within 48 hours may result in court proceedings. The urgency and threat of legal consequences are designed to make you click before checking.
Why these emails are convincing
Fear of legal trouble overrides normal caution far more than most other scam themes. A message that sounds official, arrives with a countdown, and threatens escalating consequences is built to get a fast reaction rather than a considered one.
Signs a court summons email is a scam
- The sender's address doesn't end in
@justice.gov.ukbut claims to be from HMCTS. - It claims to be a Penalty Charge Notice from HMCTS. HMCTS doesn't issue these.
- It asks you to click a link to pay or view a summons, rather than giving verifiable court contact details.
- It uses a generic greeting or gives contact details that don't match official court records.
How the scam works step by step
First, an email claims an unpaid fine, missed summons, or warrant, with a short deadline to respond. Second, a link opens a page asking for payment or personal details. Third, whatever you enter is captured, or you're pressured into paying a 'fine' directly to the fraudster.
How to check a court contact is genuine
Check the sender's actual email address. Genuine HMCTS email is sent from an address ending in @justice.gov.uk, not a lookalike domain.
- If you're unsure, contact the court or tribunal directly using GOV.UK's 'find a court or tribunal' service.
- A genuine County Court Judgment arrives by post, explaining how much you owe, how to pay, the deadline, and who to pay.
- You can check a genuine County Court Judgment independently via the official Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines at TrustOnline.
If you've already clicked or paid
If you entered card or bank details, contact your bank immediately and explain what happened. Don't send any further payment, even if told the first one 'didn't go through'.
How to report a fake court summons email (UK)
Forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. If it arrived by text, forward it to 7726. If you've lost money, also report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 if you're in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell a genuine HMCTS email from a fake one?
Check the sender's address. Genuine HMCTS email is sent from an address ending in @justice.gov.uk. If you're unsure, use GOV.UK's court finder and contact the court directly.
Does HMCTS issue Penalty Charge Notices?
No. HMCTS doesn't issue Penalty Charge Notices. An email claiming otherwise is a scam.
How do genuine County Court Judgments reach me?
A genuine County Court Judgment arrives by post, setting out how much you owe, how to pay, the deadline, and who to pay. Treat an emailed 'pay now' link claiming to be a court matter with suspicion.
I clicked the link and entered my card details. What should I do?
Contact your bank immediately, explain what happened, and don't send any further payment even if told the first attempt failed.
How do I report a fake court summons email?
Forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk (or 7726 if it arrived by text), and report any money lost to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 (Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland).