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uk Legal, police, prison & official contact

What to do if…
someone claiming to be police or an official contacts you and you suspect impersonation

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

Short answer

Pause the contact and verify the person independently through an official phone number or website you find yourself. Do not send money, share security details, install software, or hand over cash, cards or valuables while you are uncertain.

Do not do these things

  • Do not rely on caller ID, an email address, a uniform, an identity card or personal information the person knows as proof.
  • Do not use a phone number, link or website supplied by the person to verify them.
  • Do not disclose passwords, PINs, passcodes, one-time security codes or online banking details.
  • Do not transfer money, withdraw cash, buy gift cards or cryptocurrency, or give property to a courier.
  • Do not install an app or allow remote access to your phone or computer.
  • Do not let an unexpected visitor inside solely because they claim to be police or another official.
  • Do not keep engaging because the person threatens arrest, penalties or immediate consequences.
  • Do not confront or physically challenge someone at your door.

What to do now

  1. End the call, stop replying, or speak through a closed and locked door. Call 999 if someone is threatening you, trying to force entry, or creating an immediate danger.
  2. Find the organisation’s contact details independently. Use its official website, GOV.UK, an official letter you already had before the contact, or another trusted record.
  3. If the person claims to be a police officer, note their name, shoulder or collar number, police force and any reference number they give. Call 101 yourself and ask the relevant police force to verify the officer and the reason for contact.
  4. If the person claims to represent another public body, call that organisation through its published switchboard or contact page. Ask whether the named person, department, reference and request are genuine.
  5. Do not assume the displayed number proves who called. Make the verification call yourself, preferably from another phone where practical.
  6. If you disclosed banking details, approved a payment or handed over money, contact your bank or card provider immediately through its app, the number on your card or another independently verified channel. Tell its fraud team exactly what happened.
  7. Keep the message, email, voicemail, envelope, phone number and any reference details if this is safe. Do not reopen links or continue the conversation to collect more evidence.
  8. Report suspected fraud to Report Fraud if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101.
  9. Forward suspicious mobile texts to 7726. Use the reporting tools in messaging apps for suspicious messages received through those services.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether an offence has definitely occurred, identify the person, answer further demands, or make every possible report. First stop the contact, protect any exposed accounts and verify whether the approach was genuine.

Important reassurance

Pausing an unexpected contact to verify it is reasonable. A genuine police force or public body can be contacted again through its established channels, and you do not need to act on an unverified demand simply because it sounds urgent or authoritative.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate steps for pausing and checking suspected police or official impersonation. Later decisions about reporting, financial recovery, account security or responding to genuine official contact may require help from the relevant organisation or a qualified adviser.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, financial or professional advice. Procedures can vary between organisations and parts of the UK. Call 999 where there is an immediate danger, and use independently verified official contact details for non-emergency checks.

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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