Returning a Police Call Without a Phone Number: What to Do

Have you ever received a voicemail asking you to call back, but the number provided was your own? What are you supposed to do in such a situation? This article will guide you through the proper steps to take and offer tips for scam prevention.

Steps to Take When Receiving a Voicemail Requesting a Callback

When you encounter a situation like this, the first step is to stay calm and gather any information you can. If the police or another emergency official provided a voicemail with a request to call them back, but the number they provided was just your own phone number, here are the steps you should follow:

Look Up the Department Online: Search for the appropriate department through a search engine like Google. Most police departments will provide a 10-digit phone number or an email address. Get Information About the Caller: If a name was left in the voicemail, make a note of it. This information can be helpful when you contact the department later. Call the Department: Use the provided number or email address to contact the department. Provide the details from the voicemail, including the name of the caller if available.

Handling the Call in Dallas, Texas

In the City of Dallas, Texas, the regular emergency line is 911. Here’s how the process works:

Call 911: Dial 911 and ask for that specific officer or detective by name. This can sometimes be more effective than calling a general line. Provide Information: Give the department the information from the voicemail. This includes the name of the caller if you have it. Non-Emergency Lines: Note that non-emergency numbers in Dallas are not set up for directing calls to the correct departments or substations. Dallas has over 30 sub-stations, and the Fire Department has around 200 stations, so the numbers can be complex for callers to navigate.

Identifying and Avoiding Scams

It's important to be cautious when receiving calls from unknown numbers, especially if you get a voicemail asking for an immediate callback without providing a valid phone number. Here are some red flags and tips on how to avoid scams:

Check for Indian Accent: If the caller has an Indian accent, be highly suspicious. The article points out that such callers are often involved in scams. Do Not Pay for Information: If the caller demands money or threatens to arrange for the police to come if you don't pay, do not comply. These are common tactics used in scams. Contact Local Police: Call your local police department using their non-emergency line. Don't hesitate to provide the call details to the department for verification. Do Not Buy Gift Cards: Refrain from purchasing gift cards as payment for the caller's supposed charges. This is a common tactic used by scammers.

Conclusion

When receiving a voicemail with a request to call back, but the number is not valid, take the appropriate steps to ensure your safety and prevent falling for scams. Remember to stay vigilant and contact the local police using their official channels if you have any doubts about the authenticity of the call. Staying informed and cautious can keep you safe from both genuine and fraudulent situations.