Give middle and early high school students a practical routine for recognizing online and crypto-related scams
before they share information, connect an account, or send money.
What students learn
• Recognize common scam and impersonation warning signs.
• Explain how urgency, secrecy and emotion affect decisions.
• Protect credentials and wallet recovery information.
• Verify messages, websites and claims through independent routes.
• Preserve evidence and identify appropriate sources of help.
The PAUSE routine
Pause before clicking, replying or paying.
Assess urgency, secrecy and impersonation.
Use an independent route to verify.
Safeguard credentials and recovery information.
Escalate and preserve evidence.
Student-safe by design
All scenarios are fictional. No wallet, account, purchase, transfer or disclosure of personal financial information is
required.