My first thought is that it might just be a collection agency writing a threatening letter.

Debt Collectors do not have the right to seize goods.

Only a bailiff or enforcement officer acting on a court judgment can do this and there are rules they should follow.

So if it seems like your mother has a county court judgment against her - There is a lot of information on this site about bailiffs.

The first thing your mother needs to do is resume paying the debt at the rate set by the court.

If there hasn't been a court judgment she should make an arrangement with the debt collection agency.

The Debt Advice Foundation can help her do that - either by clicking on my name and calling us - or looking at http://www.debtadvicefoundation.org/personal-debt-analyser

If you want to complain about a bailiff (and you always should)

First complain to the Bailiff's company - you have to do this before pursuing other options.

All bailiffs or enforcement officers are members of a professional body - with a complaints procedure.

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/enforcement/bailiffs/compla...

For example

Association of Civil Enforcement Agencies (01242 241456)
http://www.acea.org.uk/complaints/

Enforcement Services Association (0117 907 4771).
http://www.ensas.org.uk/pdfs/ESA.pdf

High Court Enforcement Officers’ Association (complaints@hceoa.org.uk)

If you are complaining about fees you should also complain to the court.

If you are complaining about the conduct of a bailiff you should also complain to the original creditor.

I wish more people would spread the word about unfair bailiff practices. The Consumer Action Group does good work in this area.

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/bailiffs-sheriff-officers/

Ultimately you have the right to bring your case to the attention of your local councillor and your MP. There is legislation working its way through Parliament which aims to INCREASE the power of bailiffs.