Penalty charge notice scam? Bristow and Sutor.

[castironplant]

I received an email, from what appears to be a legitimate company, called Bristow and Sutor, regarding an outstanding PCN. I haven't (most definitely) received a penalty charge notice, so I'm wondering if it's some sort of scam.

I typed in the case number provided, but it doesn't tell me how much the debt is, or give any details at all. It just takes me to a payment page to enter my address and card number and asks how much I wish to pay.

This is the email I received:

26 June 2024

URGENT NOTICE – PCN OVERDUE


My name is Gareth and I have attempted to contact you in an effort to discuss a Penalty Charge Notice that has gone unpaid to our client and now requires your urgent attention. Our records indicate that you have failed to pay your debt. You may not have responded previously due to an oversight

TAKE NOTE: A Warrant of Control has been issued by County Court with instruction to enforce the debt following the procedure set out In the Shedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

Your case is about to be given to an agent. If they attend, your belongings or car may be removed and sold and you will be liable for the considerable costs involved if this happens. The time to choose to stop this from happening is now.

Take notice that it is our intention to continue action in regards to this matter. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) teams are working in your local area 7 days a week, including overnight. There is now an ANPR marker on your vehicle which, once located, can be removed and sold, even in your absence.


To protect your personal belongs you must pay the balance outstanding in FULL immediately.


www.bristowsutor.co.uk




I must therefore urge you to contact me immediately on 01527 509582 to discuss this matter further or pay now: https://www.bristowsutor.co.uk/pay//_

Gareth
Telephone Collections Agent
Bristow & Sutor
01527509582
Please do not reply to this email.

Why have you not phoned them? This looks a legitimate company to me. It's better to speak to them to resolve the charge. If it's not yours it needs to be cancelled. If you leave it you might end up with a CCJ.

Why have you not phoned them? Surely be the most sensible thing to do. You don’t have to give your details just explain you have received email for PCN however do not own or drive a car. And see what they say

TAKE NOTE: A Warrant of Control has been issued by County Court with instruction to enforce the debt following the procedure set out In the Shedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007

I smell bullshit.

If OP has not moved house and the car was registered to the correct address then they should have got a letter from the courts about this case.

It is also very odd that they have your email address but have not sent you anything in the post.

Thanks everyone

I know phoning might settle this but I'm reluctant to while I think it looks like a scam. Though someone, earlier on from the thread, was braver and did actually call the number! The spelling and grammatical errors throughout both emails made 'scam' my first thought.

I'm not concerned about a CCJ as it's not possible that I've received a PCN. And no, nothing in the post from the court or this company. Just these emails.

I'd consider emailing, but again concerned it's not genuine.

Check the Bristow and sutor number online (not what's on the email) and call them - they can clarify immediately if it's a scam or not - and if it isn't- what it relates to.

Google their number and call them.

Any update on this?
I received a similar letter by post from Bristow & Sutor for a PCN charge and am being constantly harassed via them via numerous emails, letters and messages. However the car in question has never been owned or driven by me (I have never owned a car in the UK, am an additional driver on my husband's car and I have never driven a hired car). I even sent them a letter from DVLA confirming the same but they continue to chase me for payment. What should I do?

Not sure if this will help anyone but I got the same notice and found this thread.
I did initially call them but they wanted my address and vehicle details, initially thought scam and they terminated the call when I wouldnt provide them.
Saw this thread and see they are legit so called them back to see what this was as I had no idea.

Turns out they were looking for someone else with my name. None of my addresses or car details matched the person they were looking for so they just deleted my details.

I would call them to enquire and make sure it's a valid claim against you.