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What to do if…
you are told the police have been trying to reach you but you have received nothing

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

Short answer

Verify the contact through an official agency phone number that you find independently. Do not discuss the underlying facts until you understand why the agency is trying to reach you and, if needed, have legal advice.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t call back a number from an unexpected voicemail, text, or email without checking the agency’s official website or an official government directory.
  • Don’t discuss the incident just because someone says you need to clear it up quickly.
  • Don’t agree to a voluntary interview or station visit before you understand the request and consider legal advice.
  • Don’t consent to a search because you feel surprised or pressured.
  • Don’t physically resist or obstruct officers if contact becomes in-person.
  • Don’t share passwords, one-time codes, financial details, or identity documents with an unexpected caller or message sender.
  • Don’t send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment-app payments to avoid arrest or clear a warrant.

What to do now

  1. Write down what you were told. Note the agency name, the caller’s name, any badge number, any case number, the phone number used, and the exact wording of the message. Save any voicemail, text, or email.
  2. Verify the agency independently. Find the agency’s official website or an official government directory. Call the published main, non-emergency, or field-office number and say: “I was told someone from your agency tried to contact me. Can you confirm whether that is correct and tell me the appropriate contact route?”
  3. Ask for the purpose without discussing the facts. Ask whether the agency is requesting a voluntary call or interview, whether there is a document or deadline requiring action, and who the correct contact person is.
  4. If the contact is voluntary and you may be questioned about an incident, pause. Say: “I do not want to discuss the facts before getting legal advice.” You can contact a qualified criminal-defense attorney in your state before deciding whether to answer questions or attend an interview.
  5. If officers are questioning you and you are not free to leave, use clear words. Say: “I want to remain silent. I want a lawyer.” Then stop answering questions about the incident.
  6. If someone claims there is a warrant or court order, verify cautiously. Ask for the court name, jurisdiction, case number, and document details. Use an official court website or official court phone number where available. Because procedures vary, seek local criminal-defense advice promptly if you cannot verify the claim or are told that urgent action is required.
  7. If the caller demands money or sensitive information, end the call. Verify the agency through an independently found official number. If you already sent money or shared financial details, contact your bank or card issuer promptly and use the FTC fraud-reporting route.
  8. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911. Do not delay an emergency call while trying to verify a non-emergency contact.

What can wait

  • You do not need to tell your side during an unexpected call.
  • You do not need to decide immediately whether to attend a voluntary interview.
  • You do not need to respond through a phone number, link, or payment route supplied by an unexpected caller.
  • You can verify the contact first and get state-specific legal advice before making further decisions.

Important reassurance

A missed message does not, by itself, show what the contact is about. Taking a pause, verifying the agency independently, and avoiding rushed statements or payments are steady first steps.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Later decisions may need advice from a qualified criminal-defense attorney in your state, especially if questioning, a warrant, a court order, or a required appearance may be involved.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice or professional advice. Procedures and rights can depend on the facts, the agency, and the state.

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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