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What to do if…
you are told your bank accounts may be frozen because of a legal order

Short answer

Pause and verify the claim through your bank’s official channels, then get the order type and case reference in writing and speak to a solicitor quickly—some court freezes can be varied to allow essential living and legal expenses, but you must do it the right way.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t rush transfers or withdrawals “to save it” after a warning—this can create serious problems and may be blocked anyway.
  • Don’t share one-time passcodes, PINs, or let anyone remote-access your device to “help” with the order.
  • Don’t use contact details from a surprising text/call/email; contact your bank via the number on your card or official app.
  • Don’t assume it’s definitely genuine because someone sounds official—verify independently.
  • Don’t ignore written notices—there may be deadlines to respond or apply to vary the order.

What to do now

  1. Switch to verification mode and use only official channels.
    Call your bank using the number on your card/official app (not a number you were given). Ask for their legal/compliance team and request confirmation, in writing if possible, of:

    • whether a freeze is already in place or only being considered,
    • what kind of order it is called (exact wording),
    • the court, case reference, and the date the bank received it.

  2. Pin down the order type (because your next steps depend on it).
    Ask the bank which of these it is (or what it most closely matches):

    • an Account Freezing Order (often linked to POCA “freezing of bank/building society accounts”),
    • a restraint order (criminal proceedings),
    • another court process affecting payments/withdrawals.
      If they can’t tell you, ask for the name of the document/section heading and the court details so a solicitor can identify it fast.

  3. Clarify what still works right now.
    Ask the bank, specifically:

    • Are incoming payments (salary/benefits) still allowed?
    • Are direct debits/standing orders still going out?
    • Are card payments/cash withdrawals allowed at all, or is it a full block? Write down what you’re told (date/time, name/ID, and any reference number).

  4. Stabilise essentials for the next 72 hours without moving existing frozen funds.
    If you have another account or credit facility you can legally use, use it only for essentials (food, travel, critical bills).
    If you expect future income (salary/benefits), do not make panicked changes. First confirm what the order covers; then, if permitted and you need continuity, ask the payer about routing the next payment to an account you already control. Keep this transparent and get legal advice promptly.

  5. If it is an Account Freezing Order, ask about “exclusions” (for essentials) in practical terms.
    Account Freezing Orders can be made “subject to exclusions,” and can be varied to add exclusions. Tell the bank you will be seeking legal advice about an exclusion for reasonable living expenses and/or reasonable legal expenses, and ask what they need from you to process any court-authorised payments.

  6. Get legal help quickly (right specialist).
    Look for a solicitor experienced in POCA / account freezing orders / restraint orders. When you call, have ready:

    • the court name, case reference, and date received,
    • which accounts are affected and what is currently blocked,
    • proof of income and a list of essential outgoings (rent/mortgage, utilities, food, travel, medication).

  7. Treat any unexpected “police/court/bank” contact as potentially fraudulent until verified.
    If someone contacted you out of the blue claiming to be police/court/bank:

    • end the call,
    • contact the organisation back via a verified number,
    • don’t click links or download files “to view the order.”

What can wait

  • You do not need to explain your whole situation to multiple people right now—focus on getting the order name, court, case reference, and what is currently blocked.
  • You do not need to decide today whether to challenge the order fully—first get advice on what it is and whether you can apply to vary it for essentials.
  • You do not need to gather every document immediately—start with ID, account details, recent statements, proof of income, and essential bills.

Important reassurance

A threatened or sudden freeze is frightening, but it is often a procedural step triggered by paperwork. Your best protection right now is to slow down, verify what’s real, avoid rash money moves, and get the exact case details so you can use the proper process to protect essentials.

Scope note

This is first steps only. Different legal orders freeze accounts in different ways. Once you have the exact order type and case reference, a solicitor can advise on variations/exclusions and the next deadlines.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal advice. If you feel pressured to move money or share access details, pause and verify through official channels first.

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