LPS Academy
Scam Recognition, Fraud Prevention and Responsible Reporting
Professional Learning Resource
Pause • Verify • Protect • Preserve • Report
Scam and Fraud Awareness
Centre (SFAC)
Identify common scams, fraud indicators, manipulation methods, preventive actions and appropriate reporting channels.
Common Scam Types
Fraud Indicators
Manipulation Tactics
Preventive Actions
Reporting Channels
Coming
Soon
A vibrant scam-alert learning centre for recognising deception, interrupting manipulation and taking safe action before losses occur.
Urgency
Pressure to act now before you have time to verify.
Impersonation
Someone pretends to be an authority, business, friend or relative.
Secrecy
You are told not to discuss the request with anyone else.
Payment
Unusual transfers, links, codes, gift cards or account requests.
What the Centre Will Help People Do
Short visual modules will build practical confidence to detect suspicious approaches, resist pressure and protect money, identity, accounts and personal information.
Recognise Warning Signs
Spot suspicious messages, unusual requests, false identities, unrealistic promises and pressure-based communication.
Interrupt Manipulation
Understand how fear, authority, excitement, affection, scarcity and secrecy are used to control decisions.
Act Safely and Report
Stop contact, secure accounts, preserve evidence and notify the appropriate provider, platform or authority.
The STOP–CHECK–PROTECT Response
A practical flow for suspicious calls, messages, links and payment requests
Stop
Do not click, transfer, disclose, install, scan or respond while under pressure.
Check
Look for urgency, secrecy, unusual payment methods, changed details and inconsistent stories.
Verify
Use an independently found number, website or trusted contact—not the details supplied by the sender.
Protect
Block access, change credentials, freeze or monitor accounts and alert affected people quickly.
Report
Preserve messages and transaction details, then notify the appropriate organisation or authority.
The Scam Manipulation Cycle
Scams often follow a repeatable behavioural pattern designed to create trust, pressure and compliance.
PAUSE
AND
VERIFY
HookA prize, threat, request, opportunity or emotional story gains attention.
TrustFalse authority, familiarity, urgency or credibility lowers suspicion.
PressureFear, secrecy, time limits or repeated contact narrows decision-making.
ExtractionMoney, credentials, codes, data or access are requested.
Core Fraud Indicators
One sign may be innocent, but several indicators together should trigger caution and independent verification.
Time Pressure
You are told that delay will cause loss, arrest, account closure or a missed opportunity.
Unusual Instructions
The request involves secrecy, remote access, unfamiliar apps, changed bank details or odd payment methods.
Identity Mismatch
Names, numbers, domains, accents, account details or stories do not fully match the claimed identity.
Too Good or Too Frightening
Extreme reward or extreme threat is used to override normal caution and verification.
Appropriate Reporting Channels
Reporting should be prompt and evidence-based. The exact channel depends on what was affected, how contact occurred and whether money, identity or account access was exposed.
Bank or Payment Provider
Report suspicious transfers, cards, accounts or payment instructions immediately.
Platform or Service Provider
Flag fraudulent profiles, advertisements, messages, listings, accounts or compromised services.
Police or Relevant Authority
Report suspected fraud, impersonation, theft, threats or identity misuse through official channels.
Employer or Organisation
Notify security, finance, IT, compliance or management when work systems or payments are involved.
Trusted Support Person
Inform a family member, colleague or trusted person to reduce isolation and support next steps.
Protective Habits That Reduce Risk
Simple routines create time, distance and verification opportunities before scammers can secure compliance.
Verify Independently
Contact organisations or people using a trusted source rather than the sender’s link or number.
Protect Credentials
Do not disclose passwords, security codes, recovery details or remote-access permissions.
Use Transaction Controls
Enable alerts, limits, approval steps and account monitoring wherever available.
Discuss Before Paying
Consult a trusted person when a request is urgent, secret, unusual or financially significant.
Actions to Avoid
These responses increase vulnerability and may make recovery or investigation more difficult.
×
Acting Under PressureMaking payments or disclosures because the sender demands immediate action.
×
Using Supplied Contact DetailsVerifying through a number, link or account controlled by the same suspicious sender.
×
Deleting Evidence Too EarlyRemoving messages, receipts, account details or call information before reporting.
×
Feeling Too Embarrassed to ReportDelaying action because of shame, fear or concern about being judged.
Common Scam and Fraud Contexts
Calls, Messages and Phishing
Online Shopping and Payments
Investment and Job Offers
Romance and Impersonation
Business, Invoice and Account Fraud
The safest response to pressure is to pause and verify.
Scam awareness is not about distrusting everyone. It is about recognising manipulation, checking independently, protecting access and reporting quickly when something does not feel right.
