Report Crime Anonymously: How to Call Police Without Revealing Your Number

Concerned woman making a phone call

If you witness a crime, you might be reluctant to come forward because of fear that the criminals will find out who reported them. If you are in this situation, you can call an anonymous tip line to report crimes without revealing your contact information or identity to police.

Step 1

Key pad of phone

Order per-line blocking from your phone company. Per-line blocking automatically blocks your number when calling most numbers. You can call crime tip lines anonymously with this service.

Step 2

Phone operator

Look on the website for your city's police department to find the number for the anonymous crime tip line. Some police departments also allow you to text crime tips using your cell phone. Texted tips go to an automated mailbox; police do not see your number.

Step 3

Concerned woman making a phone call

Call the anonymous tip line and give your tip to the police. You do not need to give police any identifying information along with your tip.

Warning

You cannot call 911 anonymously, even if you have per-line blocking on your phone.