PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Legal, police, prison & official contact

What to do if…
you receive a voicemail from someone claiming to be police about an incident

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

Short answer

Do not call the voicemail number back. Save the message, then verify independently by contacting the agency using a phone number you find yourself from an official website or government listing.

Do not do these things

  • Do not call back the number in the voicemail or rely on caller ID, because it can be spoofed.
  • Do not give your Social Security number, bank details, account codes, passwords, or copies of documents to an inbound caller “to verify.”
  • Do not pay to “avoid arrest,” especially by gift cards, cryptocurrency, Bitcoin ATMs, wire transfer, payment apps, or cash pickup.
  • Do not answer “just a few questions” on the phone while you are rattled.
  • Do not delete the voicemail, call log, transcript, texts, or emails connected to the contact.

What to do now

  1. Create a safe pause. Put the phone down for a moment and focus on one goal: verify independently before you engage.
  2. Preserve what you have. Save the voicemail. Screenshot the number, date, time, caller ID, transcript text, and any related texts or emails.
  3. Verify using an independent contact route.
    • If you think you are in immediate danger, call 911.
    • Otherwise, find the local police department’s or relevant agency’s non-emergency number from an official source and call that number.
  4. Ask for concrete verification details. If the agency confirms someone tried to reach you, ask for:
    • the caller’s name and badge, ID, or other identifying number
    • the division or unit
    • a case or incident number
    • the main switchboard number and best official call-back path
  5. If they want you to come in or talk about an incident, slow it down.
    • Ask: “Am I required to come in, or is this voluntary?”
    • If it is voluntary, you can say: “I am not answering questions without legal counsel. What is the best number for my attorney to contact you?”
  6. If an officer shows up in person, keep it calm and safety-first.
    • You can ask for identification.
    • If they ask to enter or search, you can generally ask if they have a warrant.
    • If they do not have a warrant and you do not want to consent, you can calmly say: “I do not consent to a search. I want a lawyer.”
    • Do not physically resist, block them, or argue on the doorstep.
  7. If this looks like a scam, report it.
    • Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
    • If it involves online contact, phishing, account access, cyber-enabled fraud, or money loss connected to internet crime, you can also report it to the FBI’s IC3.
    • Keep your saved voicemail details for your report.

What can wait

  • You do not need to explain anything, “clear it up,” or give a statement right now.
  • You do not need to decide today whether to meet anyone in person; verification and legal counsel, if needed, can come first.
  • You do not need to send money, share access codes, or provide documents because of a voicemail.

Important reassurance

A message mentioning “police” and an “incident” can trigger instant fear, and that fear is what many impersonation scams rely on. The voicemail may be legitimate, a mistake, or a scam; verifying independently and refusing to act under pressure is a safe, normal response.

Scope note

These are first steps only, to reduce panic and prevent irreversible mistakes like paying a scammer or being pressured into an unplanned interview. If the contact is real, later decisions may need help from an attorney who can advise based on your situation and your state’s laws.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, financial, therapeutic, or professional advice. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are unsure whether the contact is genuine, verify through official channels before engaging.

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.

Support us