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What to do if…
you receive a call claiming to be from police or a court demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest

Short answer

End the call and do not pay. Then verify independently by contacting the real police force or court using an official number you find yourself (not one the caller gives you).

Do not do these things

  • Do not stay on the line to be “transferred” to a “supervisor”, “court clerk”, “payment team”, or “officer in charge”.
  • Do not pay by bank transfer, card, cash voucher, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or via a link/text sent during the call.
  • Do not share personal or banking details (address, date of birth, bank name, account details, one-time codes, PINs).
  • Do not trust caller ID, a “case/reference number”, or a convincing script as proof (numbers can be spoofed).
  • Do not let them keep you isolated (e.g., “don’t tell anyone”, “stay on the phone while you pay”).
  • Do not call back a number they provide or click any link/attachment they send.

What to do now

  1. End the call. Say: “I’m going to verify this through official channels.” Then hang up.
  2. Clear the line before you call anyone back. If you used a landline, wait at least five minutes and make sure you hear a normal dial tone, or use a different phone (for example, a mobile).
  3. If the call involved money or your bank, use a safe route back to your bank. Dial 159 (where available) to be connected securely to your bank, or call the number on the back of your bank card / your bank’s official app.
  4. Verify the claim independently (pick what matches what they said):
    • If they claimed the police: contact your local police force via its publicly listed number or use 101 (non-emergency). If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.
    • If they claimed a court / fines / warrants: contact the relevant court via an official website or central switchboard number you look up yourself (not from the caller). If they mentioned a specific “court” name, use that exact court’s official contact route.
  5. Capture what you still have (without re-contacting the caller): claimed organisation/court, caller name, any “badge” or “reference number”, number displayed, what they demanded, payment method, and date/time. Save voicemails, texts, emails, and screenshots.
  6. If you paid or shared details, treat it as urgent:
    • Call your bank’s fraud team using a trusted number (bank card / official app/website). Ask them to stop/recall transfers if possible, cancel cards if needed, and add extra checks to your account.
    • If you shared passwords or one-time codes, change passwords immediately (start with email and banking) and strengthen sign-in security (for example, multi-factor authentication).
  7. Report it:
    • Report to Report Fraud (Action Fraud) online or by phone.
    • If you’re in Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101 (and you can also contact Advice Direct Scotland for scam advice/support).

What can wait

  • You do not need to argue with the caller, prove it’s a scam, or “clear your name” on the spot.
  • You do not need to decide today whether to change your phone number.
  • You do not need to contact multiple agencies today if you’ve already secured your accounts and made at least one official report.

Important reassurance

These calls are designed to trigger panic and urgency, even in very cautious people. Hanging up and verifying independently is the right response, and legitimate organisations will not punish you for checking.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance to stop immediate harm and buy time. If you later discover there is a genuine fine, warrant, or court matter, deal with it through official letters, verified numbers, and (if needed) legal advice.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Processes vary by location and situation. If you think you might be at immediate risk, contact emergency services.

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