You should have received this guide through your door in the last few weeks, as we have arranged delivery to every household in Wraysbury & Horton.
We would like to thank The Wraysbury Parochial Charities for their support of this campaign.
Stop-Think-Check
1. It is a Proven Community Model – “STOP – THINK – CHECK”
Adapted from the UK’s Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign (backed by the Home Office, UK Finance, and police).
Simple message for posters, leaflets, talks:
STOP – Never act on the spot.
THINK – Could this be fake? Scammers make things seem urgent.
CHECK – Call a trusted number, ask a friend or family member, or check with your bank/company directly.
Why it works:
• It’s short enough to remember.
• It applies to phone calls, texts, emails, doorstep visits, and even social media scams.
• It shifts the default from “Yes” to “Let me check first”.
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2. Recognisable Red Flags
Even without knowing the scam, certain features are common to almost all of them:
• Unsolicited contact (you didn’t ask for it).
• Pressure/urgency (“Do this now or you’ll lose money/go to jail”).
• Requests for secrecy (“Don’t tell anyone, it will ruin the surprise”).
• Payment in unusual ways (gift cards, cryptocurrency, bank transfer to a new account).
• Requests for personal or banking details.
If it has any of these — STOP – THINK – CHECK.
SCAM SHIELD – Protect Yourself in 3 Steps
STOP – THINK – CHECK
STOP – If it’s unexpected, pause. Don’t click, don’t give details, don’t pay.
THINK – Could this be fake? Scammers make things seem urgent.
CHECK – Use a trusted number or website. Ask a friend, family member, or us.
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Red Flags – If you spot one, stop
• Contact out of the blue (phone, text, email, doorstep).
• Urgent action needed (“Pay now or lose access”).
• Requests for secrecy (“Don’t tell anyone”).
• Payment by gift cards, bank transfer, or cryptocurrency.
• Asking for personal/banking details.
Remember:
• No bank, police, or council will ever ask for PINs or to move your money.
• If you feel rushed – it’s probably a scam.
• Hang up, close the door, delete the message – then check with someone you trust.