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What to do if…
you receive a threat that someone will send police or emergency services to your address as a prank

Short answer

Treat it as a real safety risk: contact police on 101 (non-emergency) now, explain you’ve received a hoax “send police/ambulance” threat, and ask for advice and (if available) a note to be added for call handlers/dispatch about your address.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t call 999 just to “get ahead of it” unless there is immediate danger, a crime in progress, or responders are already attending and you think the situation could escalate.
  • Don’t argue with or taunt the person threatening you, and don’t negotiate “proof” or deadlines.
  • Don’t post your address, photos of your home, or your situation publicly (including live updates).
  • Don’t delete messages, call logs, usernames, or voicemails connected to the threat.
  • If police or other responders attend, don’t rush to the door, make sudden movements, or hold objects that could be misread as a weapon.

What to do now

  1. Get yourself into a calmer, controlled position for 2 minutes. Lock doors, put pets in a closed room, and move away from windows/front door. Put your phone on loud and keep it charged.
  2. Preserve the threat evidence. Screenshot messages (including usernames, timestamps, and any “I’m calling police/ambulance” wording). Save voicemails. Note any phone numbers, account handles, and where the threat was sent.
  3. Call police on 101 (or use your local force’s online reporting) and say clearly:
    • “I’ve received a threat that someone will make a hoax emergency call to my address to get police/ambulance sent.”
    • Your full address (including flat number), your name, and a callback number you will keep with you.
    • Any details that could appear in a hoax call (names of household members, claims they might make). Ask what they recommend in your area, and whether they can add a note for call handlers/dispatch linked to your address to reduce the chance of a dangerous misunderstanding. (This may or may not be available, but it’s reasonable to ask.)
  4. If you’re in Scotland: you can still use 101 (non-emergency) and 999 (emergency). If you’re unsure who to contact, use official channels to find your local policing team and report the threat there.
  5. If you live in a flat/building with staff (concierge, reception, security, warden), give a brief heads-up. Example: “We’ve had a threat of a hoax emergency call to this flat. If anyone arrives asking for us, please contact me/confirm first rather than speculating.” Keep it private (no group chats that include strangers).
  6. Warn your household in one calm sentence. Example: “Someone has threatened a hoax emergency call to our address; if police/ambulance arrive, stay calm, keep hands visible, and let me speak.”
  7. Decide how you’ll answer the door if someone arrives. If you can, speak through the closed door first. Keep your hands empty and visible before opening anything.
  8. If responders arrive (police, ambulance, fire):
    • Stay inside unless told otherwise. Put down your phone unless you’re asked to use it.
    • Say calmly: “I believe this is a hoax call. I reported a hoax/swatting threat on 101. I’m the resident. How can I help you verify?”
    • Follow instructions exactly, even if it feels unfair. Your goal is to prevent confusion and escalation.
  9. If responders are already at/approaching your address and you genuinely fear an immediate misunderstanding could cause harm, call 999 and say: “Police are at my address now; I believe it’s a hoax call; please alert the responding units/control room.” Use 999 only when it’s urgent in-the-moment.

What can wait

  • You do not need to identify the person or prove it’s “real” right now.
  • You do not need to make public posts, contact platforms, or confront anyone today.
  • You do not need to decide about charges, civil action, or longer-term safety changes in this moment.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel shaky or angry after a threat like this. The safest, most effective first move is boring and calm: preserve evidence, notify police non-emergency, and reduce the chance of a dangerous misunderstanding if anyone turns up.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance to stabilise the situation and prevent harm in the next few hours. Follow-up options (harassment reporting, platform reports, longer-term privacy steps) can come later.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Local police processes vary across forces and situations. If you believe someone is in immediate danger or a serious incident is unfolding, call 999.

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