Missing or abducted person
When someone has gone missing or been abducted, every hour counts. Here is what to do, who to call and how to prepare a sheet that helps investigators.
Call right now
Do not wait: a worrying disappearance is reported immediately, day or night. Say clearly if it is an abduction or a child.
- France17 · 112 · 116 000
- Europe (EU)112 · 116 000
- United States911 · 1-800-843-5678
- United Kingdom999 · 116 000
- Canada911
Elsewhere: call the local police emergency number, then contact the person’s embassy or consulate if they are abroad.
The first hours: what to do
- Call the police (17 or 112 in France; your local emergency number elsewhere): there is no waiting period.
- In case of abduction or immediate danger, say so right away. Only the judicial authorities can trigger an “Amber/Abduction Alert”.
- Prepare a recent photo, a description, clothing, distinctive marks, phone number and, if needed, a vehicle plate.
- Note the last place, last time and last contacts. Delete nothing: phone, messages, social media.
- Tell family, friends and neighbours, and list possible places, without putting yourself at risk or investigating alone.
- Keep the case number and a reachable phone. Share the sheet only with investigators’ agreement, especially for a minor.
Create a search sheet
The sheet is made on your device: nothing is sent or published. Give it to the investigators first.
Are you the one in danger or abducted?
Open the Emergency page: alert your loved ones with your live location and send a photo, video or voice message. They keep your last known position on their tracking link.
Go to the Emergency pageOfficial sources and organisations
- Missing Children Europe (116 000)
European hotline for missing children, free, in many countries.
- INTERPOL
International police cooperation: missing and abducted children.
- NCMEC (United States)
US centre for missing and exploited children: 1-800-843-5678.
- Missing People (United Kingdom)
UK charity supporting missing people: 116 000.
Before you share
- Share a minor’s photo only with the investigators’ agreement.
- An adult has the right to leave: never try to locate someone who does not want to be found (violence, protection).
- SOS OSCAR does not replace the police and keeps no file of people.