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What to do if…
you receive an unexpected notice that your identity must be verified in person for an official record

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

Short answer

Pause and verify the notice through an official contact route you find yourself before you share information, click anything, scan anything, or attend anywhere.

Do not do these things

  • Do not phone a number, click a link, scan a QR code, or email an address from the notice until you have checked it independently.
  • Do not share one-time codes, passwords, card details, or full account login details to “confirm” your identity.
  • Do not rush to attend a location you cannot verify, especially if the notice uses threats, secrecy, or urgent pressure.
  • Do not hand over original documents to anyone who offers to collect them or verify them at your home.
  • Do not ignore a notice that could be genuine. Verify it first, then decide the next step.

What to do now

  1. Get the notice in front of you and note only the essentials. Write down the organisation name, reference number, what record it mentions, what it asks you to do, and any date shown.

  2. Find the organisation through an official route you control.

    • If it claims to be a UK government service, search GOV.UK for the service and use the contact details or process shown there.
    • If it claims to be the police, use Police.uk or GOV.UK police contact routes. Call 101 for a non-emergency enquiry. Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or a crime is happening now.
    • If it relates to a prison, custody location, or visit, use official prison or police-force contact details found separately, not details printed in the notice.

  3. Ask the minimum questions needed to check whether it is real.

    • “Did you send this notice?”
    • “Can you check this reference number?”
    • “Which record is this about?”
    • “Why is in-person verification needed?”
    • “Where is the official appointment location, and what documents are accepted?”
    • “How can I rearrange it if I cannot attend that date?”

  4. If the notice is genuine, confirm the attendance details before you go. Check the full address, opening hours, whether you need an appointment, what happens at reception, and whether you can bring someone with you if you need support.

  5. Prepare only the documents the verified organisation asks for. Take the notice or letter if they ask for it, and the exact identity documents or proof they specify. Keep a simple note at home of what you took. Do not copy or photograph documents in secure areas unless staff say it is allowed.

  6. If it does not verify cleanly, slow it down. End the contact, re-check the organisation on GOV.UK, Police.uk, or the organisation’s official website, and try again through a main switchboard or official online account. Do not attend, pay, or share more details while you are unsure.

  7. If you already clicked a link, scanned a code, paid money, or shared details, limit further exposure. Stop using the notice’s contact route. Change any affected password from the real website or app, contact your bank if money or card details were involved, and use GOV.UK’s scam and phishing reporting guidance.

  8. If it mentions Companies House or GOV.UK One Login, use the official service rather than the message link. GOV.UK says Companies House identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025, with timing depending on the person’s role and circumstances. Some routes can involve in-person verification at a Post Office after you start the official online process.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out why this has happened right now.
  • You do not need to gather every document you own.
  • You do not need to decide whether to complain, challenge the record, or report the sender until you have checked whether the notice is genuine.
  • You do not need to respond through the notice’s own link, QR code, email address, or phone number while you are unsure.

Important reassurance

Some genuine services do require extra identity checks when automated checks do not work or when a record needs stronger protection. An unexpected notice can feel alarming, but the safe first step is narrow: verify the sender independently, then follow only the confirmed process.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Later decisions about challenging a decision, correcting a record, dealing with enforcement action, or responding to suspected identity fraud may need specialist help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, financial, security, or professional advice. Processes and accepted documents vary by organisation and by the official record involved. If you feel pressured, unsafe, or uncertain, slow down and verify through official channels before taking action.

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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