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What to do if…
you receive a voicemail saying police are trying to reach you about an “incident”

Short answer

Don’t call the voicemail number back. Save the message, then verify independently by contacting the police via 101 (or via your local force’s official contact details).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t ring back the number the voicemail came from, or click any link it mentions.
  • Don’t share personal details (date of birth, address, NI number, bank details) on an inbound call “to confirm identity.”
  • Don’t pay anything or “settle it today” — especially not by gift cards, crypto, bank transfer, or handing cash/items to a courier.
  • Don’t rush to attend a station immediately because you feel pressured or embarrassed.
  • Don’t delete the voicemail, call log, or any texts/emails linked to it.

What to do now

  1. Make a brief calm pause. Sit down, take one slow breath, and remind yourself: vague “incident” messages are often routine or a scam tactic — you’re going to verify first.
  2. Preserve what you have. Save the voicemail. Screenshot the number, time/date, and any transcript your phone shows.
  3. Verify using a trusted route (not the voicemail).
    • If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
    • Otherwise call 101 and say: “I received a voicemail claiming police are trying to reach me about an incident. Can you confirm if this is genuine and advise next steps?”
  4. Ask for verification details (and write them down). If 101 confirms it may be genuine, ask for:
    • the officer/staff member’s name and collar/warrant number
    • their station/unit
    • an incident/reference number
    • a switchboard or other official call-back route
  5. If it looks suspicious, stop contact and report it.
    • End contact with the caller/number you received.
    • England, Wales, Northern Ireland: report cyber crime/fraud via Report Fraud (online or by phone).
    • Scotland: report to Police Scotland (typically via 101) and follow their advice on reporting scams.
  6. If it’s genuine and they want to “have a chat” or invite you in: slow it down.
    • Ask: “Am I being asked to attend voluntarily, or am I required to?”
    • If it’s voluntary, it’s okay to say: “I’m not discussing this on the phone. Please tell me the purpose and how to arrange this via official contact details.”
  7. If you’re arrested or formally detained: ask for legal advice before answering questions.
    • Say clearly: “I want a solicitor before any interview or questions.”
    • England/Wales/Northern Ireland: if you are in custody at a police station, you can request legal advice (including a duty solicitor) before interview.

What can wait

  • You do not need to explain what happened, “clear it up,” or prepare a detailed statement right now.
  • You do not need to decide today whether you’re a witness, suspect, or complainant — verification comes first.
  • You do not need to hand over documents, phone access, or passwords because of a voicemail.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel a jolt of fear when you hear “police” and “incident.” Many genuine police contacts are routine (witness queries, admin checks, mistaken identity). Scams also commonly use authority and urgency. Verifying through 101 is a safe, steady next step.

Scope note

These are first steps only — to reduce panic and prevent irreversible mistakes (like calling back a scammer or walking into an interview unprepared). If the contact is genuine, getting tailored legal advice may help with any interview or statement.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you believe you’re at immediate risk, call 999. If you’re unsure whether a contact is real, verify through official channels before engaging.

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