A caller claims to be police: verify before acting

Record the claim without filling its gaps

Note the stated name, organisation and reference without supplying your address, bank or family details. Some accurate information may already be known to another person. A transfer to a second supposed official within the same conversation is not an independent identity check.

Keep your money outside the scenario

Illustrative example: someone requests your savings for a confidential operation. End the call and describe the request to your bank and the real agency. Do not keep the suspicious person connected while they coach your conversation with bank staff. If independent evidence shows immediate danger, use the appropriate local emergency service rather than a contact selected by the caller.

Check actual local procedures

Rules for official interviews, summonses and reports differ. This article cannot determine the validity of a particular document. Preserve messages and call details for the real agency. If money or credentials were exposed, notify the relevant bank or service separately. A complaint about police impersonation does not automatically secure an account or reverse a transfer.

Quick checklist

• Record the claimed organisation.
• Verify using an independent official contact.
• Do not move savings for a caller’s operation.
• Address account exposure separately.