A call from the police asking for money: is it a scam?
Criminals call pretending to be police officers, court staff or government officials. They say you are linked to a crime, have missed jury duty, or that your bank account is at risk, and they demand money.
Check your message free ↓What it can look like
(Phone call) This is Detective Sergeant Brown. Your bank account has been used in a fraud and your money is at risk. We need you to withdraw your savings so a courier can collect them as evidence. Do not tell anyone, the bank staff may be involved.
A made-up example. Real messages vary.
The warning signs
- They demand payment, or ask you to withdraw cash or buy gold.
- They send a courier to collect money or your bank card.
- They ask to be paid with gift cards, cryptocurrency or a bank transfer.
- They tell you to keep it secret, even from your bank.
- The caller ID may show a real police number. This can be faked.
What to do
- Hang up.
- Call the police on a number you look up yourself, from another phone or after waiting five minutes.
- Never hand money, gold or your card to a courier.
- If you have paid, call your bank straight away and report it to the police.
Already paid or shared your details?
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on your card.
- Change any passwords you shared, starting with your email.
- Report it (see below).
- Tell someone you trust. Scams catch careful people too.
United Kingdom
Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Call 159 to reach most UK banks.
United States
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Canada
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Australia
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au. If you lost money, report it to the police at cyber.gov.au and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free help.
Anywhere else
Report it to your local police or your national fraud reporting service.
Our checks on this scam
A call from the police or a government agency asking for money? The documented scam pattern
No. On 17 September 2026 the FBI warned that criminals pretend to be police and government officials, and said real authorities will never phone or text to demand payment. Police in Canada and Pennsylvania issued similar warnings on 24 and 25 September. UK police say they will never come to your home to collect money or your bank card. This reviews a documented pattern, not a particular call.
Updated 27 September 2026 · Read the evidence ↗Other common scams
- Parcel delivery texts
- Your bank's "fraud team" calls
- Tax refunds, fines and road tolls
- Celebrity investment adverts
- "Hi Mum, I've got a new number"
- A loved one's voice on the phone
- Fake shops and too-good deals
- Computer help calls and pop-ups
- Requests for a security code
- Online friends who talk about money
- Power or water cut-off messages
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reporting details were checked on 26 September 2026. Another AI Lie is not linked to the organisations named. Example messages are made up.