Fake Police Call Scam Script
Callers posing as police claim your identity or accounts are compromised and pressure you to move money to a 'safe account' or hand cash to a courier.
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