Stop the Scam Countdown
You have ten seconds to act—or the message says your account will close.
Learning objectives
- Recognise common pressure tactics
- Apply a stop-check-ask routine
- Protect passwords and personal information
Vocabulary
- Scam
- A trick that tries to take your money or information.
- Phishing
- A fake message that tries to steal your passwords or details.
- Personal Information
- Private details about you, like your name, address or passwords.
- Verify
- To check that something is really true before you trust it.
- Trusted Adult
- A grown-up you know well and can go to for help.
Materials
Minute-by-minute flow
5′
Hook
Teacher does
Display an urgent prize message with a countdown.
Students do
Notice physical and emotional reactions.
10′
Teach
Teacher does
Model STOP: Stop, Think, Open another route, Prove.
Students do
Repeat with gestures.
20′
Message lab
Teacher does
Provide realistic but fictional examples.
Students do
Highlight pressure, links, requests and verification steps.
7′
Role-play
Teacher does
Act as a trusted adult or company.
Students do
Practise asking for help and checking independently.
3′
Exit
Teacher does
Show a fresh example.
Students do
Name the first safe action.
Check for understanding
Does the learner pause and verify through an independent route rather than interact with the message?
Exit ticket
When a money message creates urgency, first I…
Support
Use icon cues and paired discussion.
Stretch
Include impersonation, QR codes and fake investment promises.
Home connection
Teach the STOP shield to someone at home.