A message can sound familiar and still be unexpected. Be especially careful when it creates sudden urgency.
Pause before you respond
Do not send money or sensitive information just because a message sounds convincing. Notice when something feels unusual, rushed, or unlike the person or organization you know.
Verify through a trusted path
Contact the person or organization using a phone number or website you already trust, not information supplied in the suspicious message. Use a separate method to confirm the request.
These habits apply to emails and texts as well as images, voices, and videos. You do not need to decide immediately.
The takeawayWhen something feels unusual, verify it before you act.