PanicStation.org
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uk Legal, police, prison & official contact call about someone in custody • prison phone call about property • police custody call about belongings • asked to store someone else's property • unsure if official phone call • possible police impersonation scam • possible prison scam call • custody property release • asked to collect property from station • asked to hold valuables for someone • unexpected call from prison • unknown caller claims detainee • requested to hand over money • caller id looks official • spoofed number police call • property release authorisation • worried it's a scam • family member arrested property

What to do if…
you receive a call saying someone in custody wants you to store their property and you feel unsure about it

Short answer

Don’t agree to store anything or share details on the call. End the call and verify independently by contacting the police (via 101) or the prison switchboard using a trusted, official route (not a number the caller gives you).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t hand over money, bank details, one-time codes, or copies/photos of your ID “to release property” or “to avoid trouble”.
  • Don’t meet a “courier” or stranger to collect or drop off items.
  • Don’t rely on caller ID (numbers can be spoofed).
  • Don’t let the caller rush you into a decision “right now”.
  • Don’t accept sealed bags/unknown packages “to keep safe” or “pass on” if you can’t independently verify who is asking and why.
  • Don’t share extra personal details about yourself or the person in custody until you’ve verified the caller through an official route.

What to do now

  1. Pause and take control of the call. Say: “I can’t confirm anything on this call. I’ll contact the custody/prison directly.” Then hang up.
  2. Write down what you already have (without calling them back): what they claimed (police/prison), their name/role, the number they called from, the person’s name, and any reference/custody/prisoner number mentioned.
  3. Verify through a trusted route you start (not the caller’s route):
    • If they claimed police custody: call 101 and ask for guidance on verifying the situation and the correct property process. If the handler can’t transfer you, ask for the police force’s public-facing contact route and what reference details you can safely use.
    • If they claimed a prison in England/Wales: call the prison’s published main switchboard number (from an official listing) and ask how property release/collection works and what authorisation is required.
  4. Use a simple legitimacy test with the official contact you reach: “Would staff ever ask someone, unexpectedly, to store property via a random call?” If it doesn’t match their process, treat it as suspicious and stop.
  5. If the call involved money, threats, or urgency, treat it as high-risk immediately:
    • Do not pay. Do not “move money to keep it safe.” Do not buy vouchers.
    • If you shared bank details or sent money, contact your bank immediately using the number on your bank card/app and ask for the fraud team.
  6. If someone turns up at your door: don’t open the door to take items. Speak through the door. If you feel pressured or unsafe, call 999.
  7. Report the incident (even if you didn’t lose money):
    • Report suspected fraud/cyber crime to Report Fraud (the UK reporting service for fraud and cyber crime).
    • If you’re unsure where it fits, you can also report via 101 to your local police.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether you’ll store anything long-term.
  • You do not need to argue with the caller, negotiate, or “prove” anything on the phone.
  • You do not need to travel, sign anything, or arrange collection until you’ve independently confirmed the correct official process.

Important reassurance

Feeling unsure is a good signal here. Legitimate systems usually have slow, checkable steps (authorisation, ID checks, documented pickup). Taking time to verify is normal and sensible.

Scope note

These are first steps to prevent a scam or a serious mix-up and to verify safely. If it turns out to be genuine, follow the specific custody suite/prison instructions you receive through official channels.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Procedures vary by police force, prison, and the person’s case. When in doubt, end contact and verify using trusted official numbers and websites.

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