PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Legal, police, prison & official contact

What to do if…
you get a call claiming a family member has been detained or arrested

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Pause, end the call, and verify through an official police route you find yourself. Do not send money, share codes, or stay on the line while you check.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t send money, buy gift cards, move cash, transfer crypto, or pay anyone who phones you to sort this out quickly.
  • Don’t stay on the line while you check, transfer funds, or follow instructions.
  • Don’t share dates of birth, addresses, bank details, passwords, one-time codes, or photos of documents.
  • Don’t use a phone number, link, or reference number the caller gives you as proof.
  • Don’t post on social media asking what happened; it can spread misinformation and expose personal details.
  • Don’t argue with the caller or try to prove they are lying; getting off the call is safer.

What to do now

  1. End the call and create a pause. Say: “I’m going to verify this through official channels.” Then hang up. If they call back, let it ring while you check independently.

  2. Write down the details before you forget them. Note the time of the call, the number shown, the caller’s claimed name or role, the family member’s name they used, what they asked for, any reference number, and where they claimed your family member was being held.

  3. Check through an official police route, not the caller’s route.

    • If someone may be in immediate danger, or there is an immediate risk to life or violence, call 999.
    • Otherwise call 101, use the official police website, or use the official contact page for the relevant UK police force.
    • Ask how to check whether someone is in custody and how to contact the correct custody suite. They may not be able to disclose much.

  4. If custody is confirmed, ask for practical contact information only.

    • Ask which police station or custody suite is dealing with it, if they can share that.
    • Ask for the correct official contact method for that custody suite.
    • Ask whether staff can pass a message to your family member.
    • Write down the name or role of the person you spoke to and the time of the call.

  5. Help your family member ask for legal advice.

    • If you can speak to them, tell them they can ask for free legal advice from a solicitor at the police station.
    • If you cannot speak to them, ask custody staff how your family member can request a solicitor and ask for someone to be told where they are.
    • Do not try to give a statement for them or explain events for them over the phone.

  6. If the call might be a scam, treat it as a scam until verified.

    • Do not pay money to release them, stop charges, avoid court, or keep the matter quiet.
    • If you already paid or shared bank details, contact your bank immediately using the number on your card or banking app.
    • If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, report suspected fraud to Report Fraud.
    • If you live in Scotland, report suspected fraud through 101, following Police Scotland guidance.

  7. Keep your phone usable for legitimate contact. Charge it, turn the ringer on, and avoid long calls while you are waiting for official confirmation. Your family member may be able to ask for someone to be told where they are, but the process can vary.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today who is at fault or what the long-term legal strategy is.
  • You do not need to brief extended family, post online, or explain the situation to everyone right now.
  • You do not need to send documents, make statements, or answer detailed questions from strangers.
  • You do not need to pay anyone immediately to avoid court, release them, or make the situation go away.

Important reassurance

Calls like this are meant to create panic and speed. Taking a few minutes to verify through official channels is a protective step, not a delay or a failure to help.

Scope note

These are first steps for the first safe pause. If custody is confirmed, police and legal processes can vary across the UK, and later decisions may need specialist legal help.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal, financial, therapeutic, or professional advice. What police can disclose to family members may be limited, so use official contact routes and ask for qualified legal support where needed.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

Support us