How to Check a Suspicious Message
A calm verification process for unexpected texts, emails, direct messages, and alerts.
Pause before interacting with an unexpected message. Read it without opening attachments, calling a supplied number, or following a link. Look for urgency, secrecy, unusual payment requests, mismatched sender details, and requests for passwords or verification codes.
Leave the message and verify the claim independently. Open the organization’s official app, type a known website address, use the number printed on your card, or consult a statement. Do not trust caller ID or the first search advertisement as proof.
If the claim is real, it will still exist in the official channel. If you clicked or shared information, change exposed credentials from a trusted device, review sessions, and contact the relevant provider.
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Read guideLast reviewed: October 8, 2026