Why is a prison calling me?
A prison is calling you because someone inside has put your number on their list. A prisoner can only ring numbers on it.[11]
If you're in danger now, call 999.
Checked against GOV.UK.
Why it rings
How your number got there.
Prison staff check their phone list when someone arrives.[11]
Often it's someone you know. They may have just gone in, or moved prison. If you don't know them, you don't have to take the call.
Your choice
Take the call, or stop it.
It's up to you. Here's how to do each.
If you want the call
Ask who it is on the call. You cannot ring back. Nobody can ring into a prison.
Prison staff can listen to and record most calls. Calls to a legal adviser aren't listened to.[11]
Think someone you know is inside? The Prisoner Location Service on GOV.UK can tell you where. It only does that if they agree.[8]
Free help: Prisoners’ Families Helpline, 0808 808 2003.
If you want it to stop
Anyone can ask HMPPS to stop someone in prison 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. It also asks for their name and prison number, if you know them.[12]
Or ring the HMPPS Victims Helpline on 0300 060 6699. Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.[13]
If you're in danger now, call 999.
Check us
- Find a prisoner. GOV.UK, current guidance. Read 30 August 2026. The Prisoner Location Service. It needs their consent before it tells you where they are. So a request can come back with nothing. Read it yourself
- Staying in touch with someone in prison: letters, video and telephone calls. GOV.UK, current guidance. Read 25 September 2026. States that the prisoner has to call you from a prison phone, only to people on their list of friends and family, that the list is checked on arrival, and that most calls can be listened to and recorded. It gives no daily number of calls. On letters: write their prisoner number on the envelope, and staff check most letters. Read it yourself
- Stop prisoner contact. HM Prison and Probation Service, on GOV.UK, current service. Read 25 September 2026. Anyone can use it to request non-contact from someone in prison. It asks for your details, the prisoner's name and number if you know them, and the details of whoever should not be contacted. In immediate danger, call the police. Read it yourself
- Get support as a victim of crime: if you're contacted by a prisoner. GOV.UK, current guidance. Read 25 September 2026. HMPPS Victims Helpline for unwanted letters, calls, texts or messages from a prisoner. 0300 060 6699, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Read it yourself