About ScamPause
Our Mission
ScamPause was founded as a passion project by a security practitioner and PhD researcher working in a global enterprise, Lee Payton. Growing up in the digital age and later building a career in information security, Lee saw firsthand how technology can be used both to protect people and to exploit them. Over time, one pattern became impossible to ignore: the recurring and increasing number of seniors and other vulnerable members of the community having their hard-earned money stolen through scams that prey on fear, urgency, and trust.
These were not reckless people. They were parents, grandparents, retirees, and caregivers—often targeted precisely because they were responsible, polite, and willing to listen. Many only realized something was wrong after money had already been sent or personal information had already been shared. What followed was confusion, shame, and a lack of clear, practical guidance on what to do next.
ScamPause exists to interrupt that moment. Our mission is to help people slow down when something feels wrong, clearly understand what may be happening, and take reasonable steps to limit further harm. We focus on education, harm reduction, and dignity—not blame, fear, or false promises.
Scams thrive on urgency and silence. ScamPause exists to replace both with clarity and calm.
What We Provide
- Clear warning signs that help you identify scams before more money or personal information is lost
- Step-by-step next actions for people in the middle of a scam or recovering after the fact
- Plain-language explainers for common scam types, including gift cards, payment apps, and crypto investment fraud
- Caregiver guidance for helping a loved one without shame or blame
How We Write
Everything on ScamPause is designed to be clear, calm, and realistic. We avoid technical jargon and avoid overpromising outcomes. When we recommend “what to do next,” we focus on harm reduction: stopping further loss, preserving evidence, and guiding people toward appropriate institutions and resources.
For partners, media, and grantmakers
Formal mission statement: ScamPause exists to reduce the financial and emotional harm caused by scams and financial exploitation by providing timely, plain-language education and practical harm-reduction guidance—especially for seniors and other vulnerable populations. We meet people at the moment they search for answers, help them recognize and stop common scam patterns, and support safer next steps to limit further harm.
Third-person description: ScamPause is a public education initiative providing scam awareness content and actionable, judgment-free guidance for individuals and families impacted by fraud. The project emphasizes clarity, dignity, and realistic next steps rather than fear or guarantees.
Founder
Lee Payton is a security practitioner and PhD researcher focused on practical risk reduction and operational resilience in large, complex environments. ScamPause began as a personal response to the increasing impact of scams on seniors and other vulnerable people—especially in moments when victims and families are searching for clear guidance and don’t know where to turn.