I got a call from a police officer.....?

Question

I got a call from an police officer and he was very tight lipped about why he was calling. Said I was not in trouble, and asked me if I recieved any weird packages. He would not say more. Should I help him or is my household under investigation? Want expert advice.

I confirmed the number he called from and yes it is an actual police station by asking him what the number, city and state then asked 411 and checked on the internet. Yes I did recieve a strange package in the mail a week before. It was the result of a relative who fell for some scam and gave the scammed our address.The fishy thing is I live in one state and this police officer lives in another. The package was reported to secrect service and I turned it in to a local authority, however if it was an investigation that needed my help, I'd think an secrect service agent would be asking for my help, not some sherieff from some small town I never been to, much less knew it existed. Did say someone from near his whereabouts bought something with a stolen credit card number. That was about it.

When I pressed him for more info so I could help him, he got very tight lipped. I'd think if an police officer was asking for my help, he share more details so I'd be able to help him. It's got my alarms in my mind going off.

To PT, it would be rather obvious what was in the package if I called the secect service. I am trying very much to limit what I say here. I also know what happened with my relative and he almost became a victim but I got him to go to the authorities before he fell for it.
To your comment about police officers helping people, that is not true. I have been a victim of police brutality before and the relative in question has been falsley accused of a crime before. It was not pretty. No, I wasn't doing anything wrong, just wrong place, wrong time. Due to this, I am very mistrusting of police, and this is no exception.

Answer 1

It sounds fishy to me. We don't usually go out of our way to be mysterious or withold information, unless there's an extremely good reason for it. And if this officer wanted your help, it's unlikely that you wouldn't be given more of an explanation.

Call, or better yet, go in person to your local police station. Have the name of the officer you spoke with. Ask to speak with him, or someone in his division. And if it is fake, please make a report. You could save someone else from getting taken.

EDIT:
The Secret Service will only involve it's agents if the crime involves currency fraud, like counterfeiting or threats to federal officials in the executive branch. If the crime crosses state lines, the FBI would be involved, but if the crime takes place in one state, then the reporting city has primary jurisdiction. Your best course of action would be to ask your family member what's happening, call the officer and offer any information you haven't already provided (and, I know I'll get slammed for this) apologize if you were rude or short with him, explain your concerns and express your desire to help. He's just doing his job, which is helping people from being hurt.

Answer 2

If it happens again ask for a name. If you don't get one you know something is wrong with this person.

*69 it if it happens again.

It also sounds as if the climate of paranoia that has been instilled into most Americans is bearing fruit. To think your house is under investigation! That is a very sad comment on your country, considering you are just a normal person who has nothing to fear.

4 hrs later.

WOW. That really IS strange. And I cannot blame you for having your red flags waving.

Perhaps it might be a good idea to go to your local cop shop with any evidence you might have and see if you can learn anything or place a report? What does your husband have to say about this?

Answer 3

if you ever recieve a call from a police officer, ask for their name and their badge number. they will expect this. verify with the police station that this is a legitimate call and that this police officer really exists. do not give any information out over the phone unless you verify this. this sounds quite suspicious to me, and i think it is a hoax or a scam. or someone was supposed to recieve a package and didnt (ie: neighbour, similar address, similar name) so is trying to find where it went. if you do receive this package, take it to the post office and tell them it is not for you. (obviously, if the cop turns out to be real, then help them and give the package to them). if your house was under investigation or if you were a suspect in something, they probably wouldnt ring you asking about packages.

EDIT:
ok, well just let him know that you did, but that you handed it over to the authorities. he might just be investigating becuase of incidents in his town, and as you are a possible witness, was sussing you out. dont be paranoid. just tell him what you did with the package and that should be that.

Answer 4

This person does not sound like a police officer. The call sounds pretty dodgy to me. Call the police station and ask for further information about the call. You will know then whether it was a real cop or not that called your phone!

Answer 5

I would go to the department with the name of the person calling and ask questions. Get more answers before you play along, this could be a scam. If the police are doing an investigation, you should be able to get answers.

Answer 6

Are you sure he was a police officer? Generally they go to your house or wherever in person to ask questions. Did you get his name, and what police station he was out of? If you did call and make sure he is who he says he is. Do not tell him anything until you find out for sure who he is, or what is going on.

Answer 7

I would not give anyone information over the phone, there is no way to tell who they really are. If it is really the police they will give you information, I would go to the police station and inform them of what has happened.

Answer 8

Don't help him, you have no way of verifying who he is or what he wants. Call the police department and report it. If a cop ever stars asking questions you have the right to verify that they are police men and see a warrant or get a lawyer.

Answer 9

he might indeed be an actual police officer and sometimes its actually better not to know the circumstances of some investigations, I can understand your curiosity in wanting to know the specifics, however by giving you information it might place you in immediate danger? So when the guys in black come knocking, you don't know what there talking about and the feds who have your place steaked out come in rescue you and arrest fat tony and company. sometimes its better not to know.

Answer 10

I would not trust anyone over the phone, and are you sure it was really a police officer, and not someone playing a joke on you? Or did you really get a suspicious package?