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What to do if…
an official investigator contacts you and demands you keep it secret

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Pause the conversation and verify the contact independently before sharing information, answering questions, or agreeing to meet. Do not promise secrecy on the spot; seek legal advice if the contact may be real or any document sets out a restriction.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t assume the contact is genuine because the person knows details about you, uses official language, or gives you an ID number.
  • Don’t use a callback number, link, or email address supplied by the person as your only way to verify them.
  • Don’t send money, gift cards, wire transfers, gold, cryptocurrency, or fees to resolve an investigation.
  • Don’t share your Social Security number, passwords, one-time codes, banking details, or account access.
  • Don’t click unexpected links, install software, or allow remote access to a device.
  • Don’t agree to a voluntary interview, sign anything, or meet immediately while you feel pressured or unsure.
  • Don’t delete messages, alter records, or lie. Preserve the contact and pause.
  • Don’t ignore a subpoena, court order, or written notice. Show it to an attorney promptly.
  • Don’t physically resist or try to leave if you are told you are not free to go. Say that you want to remain silent and want a lawyer.

What to do now

  1. End the immediate conversation if you are free to do so. Say: “I am going to verify this independently before discussing anything further.” If the contact is in person and you are free to leave, ask for a card or written contact details and move to a safe pause.
  2. Write down the claimed details. Note the person’s name, agency, office, callback number, email address, ID number, supervisor name, and case or reference number if they offer one. Treat these details only as information to check, not proof.
  3. Find the agency’s official contact route yourself. Use an official government website or another independently found public number. Do not use a link or callback number from the unexpected contact.
  4. Ask what the agency can verify. Ask whether the person works there and how the agency wants you to proceed. An agency may limit what it confirms. If the person claims to be from the FBI, use the FBI field-office directory or FBI contact page.
  5. Switch to scam-safety mode if pressure continues. End the contact if the person demands payment, sensitive information, remote access, immediate action, or secrecy from everyone. Report suspected government impersonation to the FTC. Report suspected internet-enabled fraud to IC3. If you feel in immediate danger, call 911.
  6. Preserve the contact. Save emails, letters, voicemails, screenshots, caller-ID details, and timestamps. Keep any envelope or written notice.
  7. Get legal advice before a voluntary interview if the contact may be real. Tell the attorney about any claimed confidentiality restriction and show them any subpoena, court order, or written notice. Do not ignore formal paperwork.
  8. If you are being questioned while in custody or incarcerated, be clear before answering questions. Say that you want to remain silent and want a lawyer before questioning. Follow the facility process to contact counsel and show counsel any paperwork promptly.

What can wait

  • You do not need to explain the situation during the first unexpected contact.
  • You do not need to decide immediately whether to agree to a voluntary interview or meeting.
  • You do not need to decide immediately whether the contact is genuine.
  • You do not need to discuss the contact widely while you verify it and seek advice.

Important reassurance

A pause is a reasonable response to unexpected secrecy pressure. Using an independent contact route and taking time to seek advice can prevent irreversible mistakes, even if an agency limits what it confirms by phone.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Later decisions may depend on whether the contact is genuine, whether you are being approached as a witness, victim, or suspect, and whether any formal document or specific restriction applies. Specialist legal help may be needed.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. A qualified attorney can advise you on your specific situation.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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