Verification Habits
Official channel
A contact path you find independently from a trusted source.

What it means
An official channel is a known website, app, phone number, or support page that you reach without using suspicious contact details.
Example
You call the number on the back of your card instead of the number in a text message.
Warning signs
- The message gives you a special link or number.
- The sender says not to contact normal support.
- The request bypasses normal steps.
Safer next steps
- Open the official app or website yourself.
- Use saved contacts or printed account materials.
- Do not rely on links or numbers from urgent messages.