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What to do if…
police ask you to identify property and you feel uneasy or suspicious

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

Short answer

Pause before attending. Verify the request by calling the department through independently found official contact information, not a number or link sent by the person who contacted you.

Do not do these things

  • Do not travel somewhere immediately because the caller is pressuring you.
  • Do not use a callback number, link, or contact detail sent by the caller to verify the request.
  • Do not rely on caller ID, texts, emailed badge images, or official-looking photos as proof.
  • Do not share your Social Security number, banking details, account logins, or verification codes during an unexpected contact.
  • Do not send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or fees to deal with the request or avoid arrest.
  • Do not attend an unverified location or a location that feels unsafe. Ask the independently reached department for a confirmed station-based alternative.

What to do now

  1. End the unexpected contact calmly. Ask for the person’s name, department, unit, case or incident number, and badge number if applicable. Say you will contact the department independently.
  2. Find the department’s official main number yourself. Use an official city, county, or police-department website. Do not use a number or link supplied by the caller.
  3. Verify the request through the official main line. Ask which unit can confirm the person, the case or incident number, whether property identification is needed, and the correct appointment location.
  4. Do not attend unless the request and location are confirmed. If the department confirms the request, ask when to attend, what identification or documents to bring, whether the identification must happen in person, and whether a companion is permitted.
  5. Ask about an approved alternative if attending still feels uncomfortable. The department may be able to explain whether another identification process is available.
  6. Keep the visit as controlled as possible. Prefer a confirmed station-based location when available. Tell a trusted person where you are going. Consider asking someone to come with you or wait nearby.
  7. Save the contact details. Keep voicemails, messages, screenshots, names, case numbers, dates, and times.
  8. Report suspicious contact. Report suspected fraud to the FTC. If the contact involved online or internet-enabled activity, you can also file an IC3 report. IC3 says you can file even if you are unsure whether the complaint qualifies. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

What can wait

  • You do not need to attend immediately during an unexpected contact.
  • You do not need to explain why you are verifying the request.
  • You do not need to answer questions beyond what is needed to record the contact details and verify the request.
  • After verification, you can ask whether any timing requirement applies before deciding when to attend.

Important reassurance

Documented scams do impersonate local law enforcement. Pausing, ending the unexpected contact, and checking through an independently found official number are reasonable steps.

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce risk and confirm whether the request is genuine. Later decisions may need help from a lawyer or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This guide provides general information for immediate harm prevention and safer decision-making. It is not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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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