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Original poster

I’ve been reported as a missing person!

350 replies

Lizzielocket · 21/06/2019 00:30

Frequent poster and have name changed for this.
I was woken by my mobile ringing about 40 minutes ago, I answered it on the second call, it was the police, they were outside my property and wanted to come in. I duly went downstairs and let them in.
I was starting to feel panicky as I have elderly parents and an adult DD who doesn’t live at home anymore.
I was asked my full name which I told them, they then told me I have been reported as a missing person. Somebody had told them that my father and partner couldn’t make contact with me and they were very worried about me. I was with my father this afternoon and I said goodnight to my partner around 2 hours ago by text as he’s at an airport and was about to fly.
I am now in bed with a cup of tea and feeling very confused. They checked on my sleeping DC too.
I don’t know why I’m posting to be honest, has anybody else experienced this?
I’m a very normal woman with a very normal life, they insisted that the call to them wasn’t malicious. So very confused!

OP posts:
Teddybear45 · 21/06/2019 01:09

I agree that this sounds like a scam. Have seen a number of these - people pretend to be police to scope out the house then return. You need to call the actual police and ask them if they really came to yours.

Frownette · 21/06/2019 01:11

Well, it's good you chatted to your friend and they're nearby. Hope you sleep ok.

MAXnot73 · 21/06/2019 01:12

I would call the police and ask to speak to someone about this. If it's genuine then they know exactly who filed a missing persons report.

Original poster
Lizzielocket · 21/06/2019 01:15

My paranoia has kicked in now, the kettle is back on and my friend is on his way round to stay tonight. I will call the local station in the morning to check.
Feeling very unnerved.

OP posts:
Spooksandchocolatecake · 21/06/2019 01:18

Jesus Christ that's creepy😟

RosaWaiting · 21/06/2019 01:22

Op can you call the non emergency number, 101?

Tbh I don’t know how police are coordinated now, all the local stations seem to have closed, but I reckon if there’s any suspicion they weren’t real, you should flag it up now.

Poppins2016 · 21/06/2019 01:26

I agree that you should call to flag it now. If it's a scam they can then act while the people are still in the area and if not, you'll sleep better for knowing it was the 'real' police. I'm glad your friend is on his way round.

Original poster
Lizzielocket · 21/06/2019 01:27

Friend is here.
Our local police station closed a couple of years ago, they came from the nearest big town about 10 miles away.
I’m going to ring 101 as you have suggested.

OP posts:
patchisagoodpup · 21/06/2019 01:34

That is so strange. A friend playing a misjudged joke? Clutching at straws. I hope the police were genuine. I think the scenario of them being fake is probably worse than the scenario of someone reporting you missing for whatever reason. Some odd things happening to posters on MN tonight Thanks

pollywollydoodler · 21/06/2019 01:38

Very bizarre. Like previous posters I'd worry that they were scammers checking out the house.
Check it out before morning shift changes via 101

Totur · 21/06/2019 01:42

This happened to me, but it was the council who phoned me rather than police! Like you, he said he couldn't say who reported me as missing, but the only person it could have been would have been an elderly nosey neighbour. I was so annoyed! Apparently she hadn't seen me for a week, despite me being in and out all day everyday and also told them that there was a strange smell coming from my flat! My flat was immaculate, so it was all made up!

Totur · 21/06/2019 01:43

Guys - you can't fake police cars/uniforms.... Get a grip on your imaginations there.

Poppins2016 · 21/06/2019 01:52

You can absolutely fake police uniforms and there have been incidents of similar scams reported in the media. Harder to fake a liveried police car but not impossible (and cars can be stolen!)... granted, the incidents that made the news were 'undercover' cars with blue lights.

Totur · 21/06/2019 01:55

Poppins - don't be silly.

Totur · 21/06/2019 01:57

You're suggesting some prankster bought two police uniforms (presumably complete with stab vests and radios), robbed a police car and rocked up to a randomer's house as some part of an elaborate hoax to tell her she was reported as missing... Yes. That happens.

Redglitter · 21/06/2019 02:05

I agree with Totur Yes there have been cases of people pretending to be police officers but to have full uniform and a marked car is highly unlikely. IF people did go to that length of trouble itll be for a damn sight more than to suss out if a house is empty.

Folk dont half let their imagination run riot at times

Original poster
Lizzielocket · 21/06/2019 02:07

The policemen were genuine, they couldn’t tell me who made the call and passed my number on to them. It does sound as if it was malicious as they lied to the police about DP and my father being worried about my whereabouts.
I will be having a good look through my contacts in the morning.
If it is a joke it’s a bit sick, wasting police time and causing worry and a disturbed night.
Friend is on the sofa with the cat and I’m off to bed.
Thanks to all, MN is great.
Will update tomorrow.

OP posts:
RosaWaiting · 21/06/2019 02:10

Hope you get some rest OP

I find it quite worrying that they can send police round at night etc etc without telling you who filed the report

If the person was actually worried about you, why would they object to you knowing?

mathanxiety · 21/06/2019 02:14

It had to be someone who knew your father's name, if the police had this. And they knew your mobile number too.

Contact your parents first thing and ask them if they have given your number to anyone.
Have they had any people in their home doing work, or any carers, or do they have any friends who may not be compos mentis, who might have got a hold of details about you?

How come your friend was still awake and available to talk and come over to keep you company?
How well do you know this man who is now in your house?

Totur · 21/06/2019 02:39

OP, if it was a genuine person, they'd have had your father or partner call you to check you were ok. That, or they'd have called them directly.

Instead, whoever it is, called police and invented a story. My money is on a nosey neighbour or estranged family member. It's almost identical to what happened me!

expat101 · 21/06/2019 02:53

So its someone who knows you well enough to know you still have a Dad and a Partner.... hmmm. I would be going to see the Sargeant at the station tomorrow for a more detailed explanation and investigation into the caller, you need a bit more piece of mind over the matter.

PotatoesDieInHotCars · 21/06/2019 04:30

I'm one of those weird people who doesn't always answer the door during the day if I'm in. My postman knows to chuck any packages over the back gate.

Well around this time last year I was sitting minding my own business when someone started hammering hard on the front door. Scared the shit out of me. Then they hammered on the window and nearly gave me a heart attack. Then it went quiet until I heard the backdoor handle being rattled. It was the police. They were seconds away from kicking the backdoor down.

Apparently a "worried neighbour" had reported that I hadn't been seen for months. Total bollocks. I may not have the most exciting social life but I do leave the house. And my partner walks the dog every day! It was really awful. They wouldn't take my word for it that I was okay and my partner was at work and not lying dead in the bathtub. They had to check every room in the house. I felt a bit violated tbh. It took me a long time to not jump every time I heard a noise or to feel like I was being watched every time I left the house.

All because a neighbour had nothing better to do.

RebootYourEngine · 21/06/2019 04:33

So very strange. I would contact the police in the morning, either visit the station or phone 101 and ask if they can give you more details.

Whatwillhappentomorrow · 21/06/2019 04:41

It couldn't be your friend who is around or a different friend could it? Someone who knows you are on your own and wants you to turn to them when you feel scared? Someone who wants your attention?

I hate to say it but stalkers work In mysterious ways. Chances are it isn't but please bare this in mind. I have seen people's lives destroyed by stalkers.

mathanxiety · 21/06/2019 04:45

I very much suspect it is the friend who is asleep on the couch.

YY stalkers and people who are obsessed do work in mysterious ways.

It's very suspicious that this friend happened to be awake tonight and ready and willing to go over to your house.