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uk Legal, police, prison & official contact police property identification • asked to identify property • police want me to attend • uneasy about police request • suspicious police phone call • possible police impersonation • verify officer identity • crime reference number • attending a police station • recovered stolen property • property viewing appointment • worried it’s a scam • pressured to act fast • safe ways to respond • what if i don’t trust the call • non emergency police 101 • police asking personal details • meeting police in person

What to do if…
police ask you to attend to view property for identification and you feel uneasy about it

Short answer

Pause and verify it’s genuine using trusted contact details (not anything the caller texts you). If it’s real, you can ask for a safer, more controlled way to do the identification (front desk, appointment, bring someone).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t go anywhere “right now” because you feel pressured or guilty.
  • Don’t call back a number they give you, or tap links they text/email you.
  • Don’t share extra personal/financial details “to confirm your identity” beyond what’s necessary (especially bank details or passwords).
  • Don’t meet an officer in a secluded place or allow them to direct you to travel somewhere unusual.
  • Don’t hand over original documents (passport/driving licence) unless you’re at a police station front counter and you’re comfortable.

What to do now

  1. Get the basics, then end the call/message. Ask for: the officer’s name, rank, collar number, the police force, and a crime reference/incident number. Then say you’ll verify and call back via official channels.
  2. Make sure you’re not still connected to them. If you were on a phone call, hang up and (to be safer) wait a few minutes for the line to clear or use a different phone before making any verification call.
  3. Verify independently. Call 101 (or look up your local force’s main switchboard number yourself) and ask them to confirm the officer and the appointment request using the details you were given.
  4. If anything feels off, treat it as suspicious. If they push urgency, get angry about verification, or mention money/financial actions, stop engaging and report it:
    • If you’re in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, report cybercrime/fraud via Report Fraud (Action Fraud).
    • If you’re in Scotland, report fraud to Police Scotland (typically via 101).
  5. If it’s genuine, choose a safer setup. You can ask:
    • for the identification to happen at a police station front desk or another clearly official public counter area,
    • for a specific appointment time (so you’re not waiting around),
    • whether you can identify via photos/video first, or confirm distinctive details (marks/serial numbers) if appropriate.
  6. Bring support. You can take a friend/family member with you (they may need to wait in a public area). Tell someone where you’re going, when, and what time you expect to be finished.
  7. Keep your boundaries simple. If you feel uneasy, use one sentence: “I’m happy to help, but only after verification and only at the station front counter, by appointment.”
  8. Write down what happens. Note dates/times, who you spoke to, the incident/crime reference, and what you were asked to do. Keep screenshots of texts/emails.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide right now whether you’ll make a statement, support a prosecution, or take any further steps.
  • You don’t need to argue with the caller about legitimacy—verification can be done calmly via 101.
  • You don’t need to attend the same day unless it’s convenient and you feel safe.

Important reassurance

Feeling uneasy is a useful signal, not an overreaction. Genuine officers should expect you to verify identity and arrange a safe way to attend—especially because impersonation scams are common.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance for safety and legitimacy checking. If the situation becomes complicated (for example, you feel pressured, threatened, or unsure about your rights), getting independent advice can help.

Important note

This guide provides general information for immediate harm-prevention and safer decision-making. It isn’t legal advice and can’t assess your specific circumstances. If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.

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