We are aware of a high number of scam texts and emails about fines being sent (from 18 August 2026). We do not send direct payment links via text message or email. If you receive a message about a fine and are unsure whether it is genuine, please contact our call centre on 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637) before making any payment. Read more about identifying scams.
You can apply for a Non-Contact Order if you were the victim of a violent crime and the offender was sent to prison for more than 2 years and you don’t want them to contact you once they’re released.
You can apply for a Non-Contact Order any time after the offender has been sentenced to imprisonment.
A judge will make a Non-Contact Order if they’re satisfied:
you’re still dealing with the ongoing effects of the crime
contact would make it harder for you to deal with the ongoing effects of the crime
the offender (or someone associated with them) is likely to contact you if a Non-Contact Order isn’t in place.
Other Orders that might work for you
If you are or have been in a family or close personal relationship with the person, you need to apply to the Family Court for a Protection Order.