Fake Police Call Scam Script
In this script, a caller claims to be a police officer, telling you that your identity, bank accounts, or a family member's safety is at risk, and that you must move your savings to a "safe" government-held account or hand cash to a courier for "evidence protection." Real police never ask you to transfer money or hand over cash to verify your identity. The scammer relies on the authority of a badge and manufactured urgency to short-circuit your caution, often keeping you on the phone so you can't call anyone to check. The most important step is to hang up and call your local police department directly using a number you look up yourself.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
This is Detective [name], badge [number]. Your account is linked to a fraud investigation. For your safety, move your funds to this secure account: [account].
Do not tell bank staff — they may be involved. A courier will collect your cards as evidence.
If you hang up or warn anyone, you may be arrested for obstructing the investigation.
What the scammer wants
To use authority and fear to make you move money to them or hand over cash/cards, while keeping you isolated from anyone who might intervene.
Red flags in the message
- Police asking you to move money to a 'safe account'
- Instruction to keep it secret and distrust bank staff
- A 'courier' sent to collect cash or cards
- Threats of arrest for not cooperating
A safe response
Hang up. Real police never ask you to move money or hand over cards. Call police and your bank using official numbers (ideally from another phone), and tell someone you trust.
What not to send
- Money to any 'safe account'
- Cash or cards to a courier
- Banking details or codes
What to do if you already replied
- Contact your bank immediately to stop or trace any payment
- Report to police using official channels
- Watch for follow-up recovery scams
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times
Frequently asked questions
The caller ID showed a real police non-emergency number — how do I know it's fake?
Caller ID can be spoofed to display any number, including real police or government lines, so a matching number proves nothing about who is actually calling. Hang up and dial the number yourself from an official source to check.
I already withdrew cash and gave it to someone — can I get it back?
Report it to your actual local police and your bank immediately; recovery may depend on how the money was handed over and how quickly it's reported, but there's no guarantee. Acting fast and documenting everything gives the best chance.
They said if I hang up or tell anyone I'd be arrested for obstruction — is that true?
No, this is a pressure tactic, not a real legal threat; genuine police do not forbid you from consulting family, a bank, or a lawyer during an investigation. Threatening you to stay silent is itself a strong sign of a scam.
Should I call the number they gave me to 'verify' with the department?
No — that number is controlled by the scammer or an accomplice and will simply confirm their false story. Look up your local police department's number independently through a phone book, official website, or directory assistance.