A call from a prison
Why is a prison calling me?
If you are scared for someone inside, call Prisoners’ Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003.
England and WalesNo sign-upOfficial routes only
Someone in prison has your number on their list. That is the only way a prison phone can ring you.[11]
If you are in danger now, call 999.
Checked against GOV.UK.
How your number got there.
A prisoner can only ring people named on their list of friends and family. Security checks that list when they arrive.[11] So the person calling you put your number on it.
Often it is someone you know. They may have just gone in, or moved prison. If you do not know them, you do not have to take the call.
If you want the call.
Ask who it is on the call. You cannot ring back. Nobody can ring into a prison.
If you think someone you know is inside, the Find a prisoner service can tell you where. It only does that if they agree.[8]
Prisoners’ Families Helpline is free and not selling anything: 0808 808 2003.
If you want it to stop.
Anyone can ask HMPPS to stop a prisoner contacting them.[12] That covers calls, letters, texts and other messages.[13]
Use the Stop prisoner contact form on GOV.UK. It asks for your details, and the prisoner’s name and number if you know them.[12]
Or ring the HMPPS Victims Helpline on 0300 060 6699. Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
The short answers.
Why would a prison call me?
Someone in prison has your number on their list of friends and family. They can only ring numbers on that list. It is checked by security. Often it is someone you know who has just gone in, or has moved prison.
How do I find out who it is?
Ask on the call. If you think someone you know is inside, the Find a prisoner service can tell you where. It only does that if the person inside agrees.
How do I stop a prisoner calling me?
Use the Stop prisoner contact form on GOV.UK. Or ring the HMPPS Victims Helpline on 0300 060 6699, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Anyone can ask. If you are in danger now, call 999.
Can I call the prisoner back?
No. Nobody can ring into a prison. They have to ring you from a prison phone.
Is the call recorded?
Most calls can be listened to and recorded by prison staff. Calls to a legal adviser are not monitored.
Sources
[11]Staying in touch with someone in prison: letters, video and telephone calls
GOV.UK — current guidance. Read 2026-09-25.
https://www.gov.uk/staying-in-touch-with-someone-in-prison/letters-video-and-telephone-calls[12]Stop prisoner contact
HM Prison and Probation Service, on GOV.UK — current service. Read 2026-09-25.
https://www.gov.uk/stop-prisoner-contact[13]Get support as a victim of crime: if you're contacted by a prisoner
GOV.UK — current guidance. Read 2026-09-25.
https://www.gov.uk/get-support-as-a-victim-of-crime/if-youre-contacted-by-a-prisoner[8]Find a prisoner
GOV.UK — current guidance. Read 2026-08-30.
https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner