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uk Legal, police, prison & official contact family member detained call • call says relative arrested • urgent custody phone call • detained loved one verification • police station call about arrest • scam call says arrested • fake police phone call • bail money phone scam • courier cash request scam • asked to keep it secret • asked to stay on the line • unknown number claims custody • detainee needs solicitor now • rights in police custody • england wales custody suite • scotland arrest phone call • northern ireland arrest call • verifying an official caller • urgent money demand by phone • gift cards crypto payment request • family emergency fraud call

What to do if…
you get a call saying a family member has been detained and you need to act quickly

Short answer

Pause and verify independently. End the call, then contact the police through an official route to ask whether they can confirm custody or advise the correct next step (details they can share may be limited).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t send money, buy gift cards, move cash, or pay anyone who phones you “to sort this out quickly”.
  • Don’t stay on the line while you “transfer funds” or “follow instructions” — urgency is a common scam tactic.
  • Don’t share personal details (date of birth, address, bank details, passwords, one-time codes).
  • Don’t accept a phone number the caller gives you as proof — always find the official number yourself.
  • Don’t post on social media asking if anyone’s heard anything (it can spread misinformation and expose your family member).

What to do now

  1. Get off the call safely. Say: “I’m going to verify this independently and call back through official channels.” Then end the call.
  2. Write down what you have (don’t rely on memory). Time of call, number shown, caller’s claimed name/role, what they asked for, any “reference number”, where they claimed your relative is being held.
  3. Verify using official police contact routes (don’t use numbers the caller provides).
    • If there’s immediate risk to life or serious violence, call 999.
    • Otherwise call 101 (or use your local force’s official online contact option) and ask how to confirm whether someone is in custody and how to reach the relevant custody suite.
  4. If custody is confirmed, ask only for the practical details they can share.
    • Which station/custody suite, and the correct custody contact method.
    • The name/role of the person you spoke to (for your notes).
    • Whether they can pass a message and what information they need from you to do that.
  5. Help your family member access legal advice immediately.
    • If you can speak to them: tell them to ask for free legal advice and request the duty solicitor (or the equivalent duty/on-call solicitor where they are).
    • If you can’t speak to them: ask custody staff what the process is for them to request a solicitor and to have someone informed.
  6. If the call looks like a scam (or you’re unsure), treat it as a scam until verified.
    • Do not pay anything “to release them” or “to stop charges” over the phone.
    • If you have already paid or shared bank details, contact your bank immediately (fraud team) and ask them to treat it as an active fraud situation.
    • Report suspected fraud to Report Fraud (UK cyber crime and fraud reporting). If you live in Scotland, follow the guidance to report suspected fraud via 101.
  7. Keep your phone available for legitimate contact. If your family member is in custody, they may be allowed to have someone informed and/or make calls — missed calls can slow everything down.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today who is “at fault”, what the long-term legal strategy is, or whether to complain.
  • You do not need to send documents, make statements, or brief extended family right now.
  • You do not need to pay anyone immediately “to avoid court” or “make it go away” — that’s a major red flag.

Important reassurance

Calls like this are designed to trigger panic and speed. Taking a few minutes to verify through official channels is not “failing to act” — it’s the safest way to protect your family member and stop you being exploited.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance for the first hour. If custody is confirmed, next steps can vary across the UK and may need legal advice.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Police processes vary across the UK, and what police can disclose to family members may be limited. If you’re uncertain at any point, default to independent verification and professional legal support.

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