Fake Police Scams on Facebook
Scammers create fake police pages and Messenger personas on Facebook to accuse users of offences and pressure them into payments or sharing personal data.
Part of: Fake Police Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
On Facebook a fake police scheme can hide behind a page named like a local force, complete with a crest profile picture and reposted community-safety content to look authentic. From there a Messenger conversation can begin that feels like contact from a real officer.
Police forces do not investigate individuals or collect fines through Facebook pages or Messenger. The social context is the lure: people are more relaxed on Facebook, and a 'community policing' page can disarm the scepticism they would apply to a cold email or call.
How this scam works on Facebook
An approach may come as a Messenger message from a 'community officer', or as a reply to a post you made, claiming your account or identity is connected to a reported crime. The scammer steers you into a private chat to 'take a statement'.
There they allege offences, send forged badge or warrant images, and demand a fine, bail, or transfer to a 'safe account' to resolve the matter. They may also request identity documents to 'confirm you are not the suspect'.
The privacy of Messenger lets the scammer escalate threats — arrest, court action, public naming — while urging secrecy so you do not check with the genuine police.
Common red flags
- A Facebook page or Messenger account claims to be police contacting you
- You are told your account or identity is linked to a reported crime
- The 'officer' moves you into Messenger to 'take a statement'
- Payment of a fine, bail, or transfer to a 'safe account' is demanded
- Forged badges or warrants are sent as proof
- You are pressured to send identity documents and keep the matter secret
How to protect yourself
- Remember that police do not investigate or collect fines via Facebook or Messenger
- Never transfer funds or pay a fine demanded through a social-media chat
- Contact your local police on a publicly listed number to check any claim
- Do not send identity documents or bank details in Messenger
- Report the page and block the account inside Facebook
- Refuse demands for secrecy and tell someone you trust
How to report it
- Use Facebook's 'Report' tool on the page or Messenger conversation
- Report the impersonation to your local police non-emergency line
- File a report with your national fraud or cybercrime reporting centre
Frequently asked questions
A 'community police' page messaged me — is that normal?
Genuine forces may post safety information, but they do not message individuals on Messenger to accuse them of crimes or demand payment. Treat any such contact as a scam and verify by phoning the police directly.