us Legal, police, prison & official contact police want me to identify property • asked to view recovered property • uneasy about police meeting • suspicious call from police • possible officer impersonation • verify badge number • verify case number • non emergency police number • asked to come to station • pressured to act immediately • worried it’s a scam • police asking for personal info • identifying stolen items • safe way to meet police • confirming a real officer • property pick up procedure • law enforcement impersonation • scam using police name

What to do if…
police ask you to attend to view property for identification and you feel uneasy about it

Short answer

Stop and verify the request through independently found contact information for the department (not the number that contacted you). If it’s real, insist on a controlled, public setting (station lobby/records) and bring support.

Do not do these things

Don’t go anywhere immediately because they’re pressuring you.
Don’t rely on caller ID, texts, emailed badges, or “official-looking” photos as proof.
Don’t share sensitive information (SSN, banking info, account logins) just because someone says they’re law enforcement.
Don’t agree to meet in a parking lot, at your home, or somewhere secluded if you feel uneasy.
Don’t send money, gift cards, crypto, or “fees” to resolve anything connected to this contact (especially if they claim it’s to “avoid arrest”).

What to do now

Collect the identifiers, then end the interaction. Ask for: the officer’s name, badge number, department, and a case/incident number. Then say you will call the department back.
Verify using a number you look up yourself. Use the police department’s main number from an official city/county website (or another clearly official listing). Ask dispatch/records to confirm the officer and case number and whether they need you to identify property. Do not use the callback number the caller texted/provided.
If it feels like a scam, disengage and report. If they threaten arrest, demand payment, or insist you can’t verify, stop responding. You can report suspected impersonation/scams to local police and file a report with the FTC and/or FBI IC3 if money, threats, or personal data are involved.
If it’s real, set a safe appointment. Ask to do the identification:
- inside the station lobby/records/property room (not outside),
- at a scheduled time,
- and ask what you need to bring (often a photo ID; you can ask what they’ll accept).
Ask for safer alternatives if you’re uncomfortable. You can ask whether identification can be done from photos/video first, or by confirming unique details (serial number, markings) before you travel.
Bring someone and keep it public. Take a friend/family member (even if they wait in the lobby). Tell someone your plan and expected return time.
Document everything. Write down names, badge number, case number, and dates/times. Save voicemails and screenshots of texts/emails.

What can wait

You don’t have to decide right now whether to give a full statement or participate in anything beyond identifying property.
You don’t need to explain why you’re verifying—just do it.
You don’t need to rush pickup/identification the same day unless it’s convenient and you feel safe.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel uneasy—scams that impersonate law enforcement are common, and legitimate departments generally expect people to verify. Choosing a controlled setting and bringing support is reasonable.

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce risk and confirm legitimacy. If you’re unsure about your rights or the request escalates, independent legal advice can help.

Important note

This guide is general information for immediate harm-prevention and safer decision-making, not legal advice. If you feel in immediate danger, call 911.

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What to do if…police ask you to attend to view property for identification and you feel uneasy about it