The RPR Method: Recognize, Pause, Respond

THE RPR METHOD: RECOGNIZE, PAUSE, RESPOND

A simple way to stop scams in real time — even when you feel rushed or stressed.

Recognize: Something feels off.

Pause: Stop. Do not click. Do not pay.

Respond: Verify using a number or website you already trust.

If you need help, contact Friendly Tech Guide.

THE 10-SECOND VERSION

1. Recognize the red flags.

2. Pause before you act.

3. Respond by verifying through a trusted source.

If someone is pushing urgency, that is your cue to use RPR.

Ever notice how the moment you slow down, the story starts to fall apart?

WHY RPR WORKS WHEN PANIC KICKS IN

Scammers often rely on speed and emotion. They want you rushed, scared, or excited so you act before you think.

A short pause breaks that momentum. Once you slow the moment down, the scam gets harder to hold together.

Scripts remove guesswork. When you know what to say, you stay in control — even under pressure.

RECOGNIZE: SPOT THE RED FLAGS

If you learn the patterns, most scams become easier to spot.

COMMON RED FLAGS

• Urgency: “Do this now.”

• Secrecy: “Do not tell anyone.”

• Fear: “Your account is locked” or “You will be arrested.”

• Weird payment: gift cards, crypto, wire transfer.

• A new link or a new number you have never used before.

• They want a code you received by text or email.

• They want remote access to your device.

• The story sounds official, but feels off.

A simple Recognize question:

WOULD A REAL BANK, AGENCY, OR COMPANY ASK ME TO DO THIS IN A RUSH?

If the answer is “probably not,” you have enough reason to pause.

PAUSE: CREATE A SAFETY GAP

You do not need to decide right now. You need to slow the moment down.

THE PAUSE PROTOCOL

• Stop talking.

• Do not click anything.

• Do not share codes or passwords.

• Take one breath.

• Say one sentence, then end the contact.

SCRIPT YOU CAN USE RIGHT NOW

“I can’t do this right now. I will verify and call back.”

If they get angry when you pause, that is a sign you are doing the right thing.

RESPOND: VERIFY AND PROTECT YOURSELF

Respond does not mean comply. It means take the next safe step.

THE SAFE VERIFICATION RULE

Only verify using a number or website you find yourself, not what they give you.

Use a trusted path:

• The number on the back of your card

• A statement you already received

• The official app you already use

• A website address you type in yourself (or a bookmark you already trust)

Do not use:

• Any link they sent

• Any QR code they sent

• Any phone number or email address they provided in the message

COPY-AND-PASTE SCRIPTS

PHONE SCAM SCRIPT

“I’m going to hang up and call the company back using the number on my statement or their official website.”

TEXT OR EMAIL LINK SCRIPT

“I don’t use links in messages for account issues. I will log in through the official app or website I access directly.”

FAMILY EMERGENCY SCRIPT

“I love you. I’m calling you back on your normal number now.”

CONTRACTOR OR DISASTER REPAIR SCRIPT

“I will only work with verified contractors. I will check licensing and references before any deposit.”

FOUR COMMON SCAM SETUPS — AND HOW RPR STOPS THEM

SCENARIO 1: BANK FRAUD ALERT TEXT

Recognize: urgency plus a link.

Pause: do not click.

Respond: call the bank using the number on your card.

SCENARIO 2: PACKAGE DELIVERY MESSAGE

Recognize: random link and vague tracking.

Pause: do not enter personal info.

Respond: go directly to the carrier's website.

SCENARIO 3: GOVERNMENT THREAT CALL

Recognize: fear, fines, or arrest language.

Pause: hang up.

Respond: verify through official government websites you access directly.

SCENARIO 4: TECH SUPPORT POP-UP

Recognize: scary warning and a phone number.

Pause: do not call.

Respond: close the browser and get real help through official support channels.

WHAT NOT TO DO

Scammers usually want three things:

YOUR SPEED

They want you to act before you think.

YOUR SECRETS

They want codes, passwords, and personal information.

YOUR MONEY PATH

They want a payment method that cannot be reversed.

IF YOU ALREADY CLICKED OR PAID, DO THIS NEXT

First: stop contact. Do not argue. Do not negotiate. End the conversation.

Then:

1. Stop contact with the scammer

2. Secure your accounts and devices

3. Contact your bank or card issuer using official channels

4. Save evidence: screenshots, numbers, emails, receipts

5. Start your 24-hour checklist

Read next: What To Do in the First 24 Hours After Fraud

FAQ

WHAT IF THEY SAY THEY WILL CLOSE MY ACCOUNT TODAY?

That is a pressure tactic. Use RPR. Hang up and call the company back using the number on your statement, card, or official website.

SHOULD I EVER READ A CODE TO SOMEONE?

Almost never. Codes are commonly used to take over accounts. If someone asks for a code, treat it as a red flag and verify using a trusted number.

HOW DO I KNOW THE REAL NUMBER TO CALL?

Use a number you already trust — like the number on the back of your card, your monthly statement, or the official website you type in yourself.

WHAT IF IT IS SOMEONE I KNOW AND THEIR ACCOUNT GOT HACKED?

Pause and verify through another channel. Call their normal number, or ask a question only they would know. If they refuse, end the contact.

WHAT IF I AM NOT SURE IF IT IS A SCAM?

If you are not sure, that is enough reason to pause. You can always verify safely. Real companies will not punish you for being careful.

SOURCES (OFFICIAL GUIDANCE)

FTC — How To Avoid a Scam (pressure tactics; don’t call numbers from caller ID; verify using a trustworthy site/number)

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam

FTC — How To Avoid Imposter Scams (verify with contact info you know is real; don’t use contact details in the message)

https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-avoid-imposter-scams

CISA — Recognize and Report Phishing (don’t click suspicious links; report phishing)

https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/recognize-and-report-phishing

FCC — Caller ID Spoofing (caller ID can be falsified)

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing

FTC — Gift Card Scams (gift cards are for gifts; scammers demand them)

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams

FTC — Cryptocurrency Scams (scammers demand crypto payments)

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency-scams

FTC — Verification Codes (never share one-time codes; anyone asking is a scammer)

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/whats-verification-code-why-would-someone-ask-me-it

FTC — Tech Support Scams (remote-access pressure; fake support tactics)

https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/tech-support-scams

FBI — Spoofing and Phishing (look up the company’s number yourself; don’t use the number provided)

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/spoofing-and-phishing

DISCLAIMER

This is general prevention guidance, not legal advice. If you believe money or accounts are at immediate risk, end the contact and use official channels you navigate to yourself (for example, your bank’s official support number from your card or statement).

If you found this information helpful, please forward it to someone who could benefit.