Enforcement / seizure announcement
Vollstreckungsankündigung / Pfändungsankündigung · sent by A public authority or a court bailiff (Gerichtsvollzieher)
Act now — this one has real deadlines
What this letter is
The final step before forced collection of a debt you didn't pay — an unpaid fine, fee, tax, or a court payment order that became final. It announces that a bailiff will act, or that your bank account or wages will be seized (Kontopfändung / Lohnpfändung). By this stage the debt is legally established, so the window to argue about whether you owe it has usually closed.
What to do
- Act the day it arrives — this is the most time-critical letter in this list. A Kontopfändung can freeze your account with no further warning.
- Pay or contact the sender immediately. Authorities and bailiffs will very often agree to an instalment plan (Ratenzahlung) or a short deferral if you reach out before they act — never after.
- Protect essential funds with a P-Konto. Converting your account to a Pfändungsschutzkonto shields a basic monthly amount from seizure — set it up at your bank at once if a Kontopfändung is looming.
- Think it's a mistake or already paid? Send proof of payment immediately and in writing, and call to confirm they received it.
- Overwhelmed by debt? Free non-profit debt counselling (Schuldnerberatung) can step in with creditors — book the soonest slot; don't wait it out.
General information, not legal advice. Always verify payment details on the sender's official website before transferring money.