The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has imposed a £300,000 fine on KRA Consultancy Ltd (KRA), a Manchester-based firm, for sending 5,575,715 unsolicited direct marketing texts between April 2022 and May 2025. The texts included fabricated bailiff threats designed to frighten recipients into using the company's debt services.
Fake Bailiff Messages Caused Distress
The ICO reported that the spam texts promoted debt solutions to individuals who had already been turned down for loans. One example of a fake message read: "We have attempted on numerous occasions to contact you without any success. This matter has escalated further and an enforcement agent will attend ****** within 48 hours to remove your goods as per court order. If you are on any legal/debt plan you will need proof readily available." The messages were sent using the sender ID 'DEMAND':.
The regulator received over 60,000 complaints about the texts through its spam reporting service. During the investigation, the ICO executed search warrants at KRA's offices and the home of a director. Internal WhatsApp messages revealed that the term 'coaching' was used as a euphemism for threats.
ICO Issues Enforcement Notice
Andy Curry, Head of Investigations at the ICO, stated: "People in financial difficulty deserve support, not exploitation. KRA deliberately sought these people out - knowing they might be especially susceptible to this kind of high-pressure marketing - and bombarded them with illegal texts. When that wasn't enough, it sent fake threats telling people bailiffs were coming to their homes to remove their belongings. This was a calculated, unlawful scheme, and it caused real fear and distress to people who were already struggling with debt."
Curry added: "KRA showed complete disregard for the law throughout our investigation and this £300,000 fine - one of the largest for nuisance marketing in recent years - reflects that. It should leave no doubt that we will pursue any company that thinks it can evade the law."
In addition to the fine, the ICO issued an Enforcement Notice requiring KRA to stop sending unsolicited marketing messages within 30 days.
