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What to do if…
you receive a voicemail saying police are trying to reach you about an “incident”

Short answer

Don’t call the voicemail number back. Save the message, then verify independently by contacting the agency using a phone number you look up yourself (official website or government listing).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t call back the number in the voicemail or trust caller ID (it can be spoofed).
  • Don’t give out sensitive personal details (like your Social Security number or banking info) to an inbound caller “to verify.”
  • Don’t pay to “avoid arrest” — especially not by gift cards, crypto/Bitcoin ATMs, wire transfer, or handing cash/valuables to a courier.
  • Don’t answer “just a few questions right now” on the phone while you’re rattled.
  • Don’t delete the voicemail or call log — it may matter if this is a scam or you need to confirm who contacted you.

What to do now

  1. Create a safe pause. Sit down, take one slow breath, and focus on one goal: verify independently before you engage.
  2. Preserve what you have. Save the voicemail. Screenshot the number, date/time, and any transcript text.
  3. Verify using an independent contact route.
    • If you think you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
    • Otherwise, find your 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/unit
    • a case/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’s voluntary, it’s okay to say: “I’m 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 and say you do not consent if they do not. Don’t physically resist or argue on the doorstep — if you’re unsure, state you don’t consent and want a lawyer.
  7. If this looks like a scam, report it.
    • Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.
    • If it involves online contact/spoofing/phishing or you lost money, report 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 counsel, if needed) comes 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 — that’s exactly what many impersonation scams rely on. Sometimes it’s routine (witness follow-up, a mix-up). Verifying independently and refusing to engage 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, an attorney can advise you on next steps based on your situation and your state’s laws.

Important note

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

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