Stop. Check Before You Pay

Resources for Consumers

Stop. Check Before You Pay

Scams can look convincing and feel normal. They can start with a message, an advert, a phone call or something that appears genuine.

Some scams happen quickly. Some scams take time.

But they often lead to the same point – when you’re asked to pay.

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Our campaign helps you recognise common scam situations and understand how scams work. It also supports people who may be helping others after a suspicious message, call or payment request.

Resources you can use and share

Consumer Guide

A simple guide to common scams, how they develop and what to check before you pay.

Community Leaflet

A short, shareable leaflet for community spaces, groups and local networks.

These resources can be used by anyone – for personal awareness or to support others who may be unsure about a payment request.

Working together

By working together, we can support responsible sales.

© CEnTSA 2026. Registered with number: 10246071. The Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA) is a collaboration of 14 Trading Standards Services from Local Authorities across the West Midlands. We aim to maximise the impact individual services have by establishing and maintaining good working relationships with a wide range of regional business partners, supporting businesses in the region and by promoting economic growth. If you would like to find out more about how CEnTSA works across the Midlands contact Nick Harrison Regional Policy Co-ordinator nick.harrison@warwickshire.gov.uk