Pause and verify

What it means

Pause and verify means slowing down before clicking, paying, sharing codes, or giving access, especially when a message creates urgency.

Example

Instead of replying to a bank text, you open the bank app directly and check your account.

Warning signs

• You feel rushed, scared, excited, or pressured.
• The request involves money, access, codes, or personal data.
• The sender asks for secrecy.
• The message came unexpectedly.

Safer next steps

• Stop the interaction for a moment.
• Use a separate official channel to verify.
• Ask a trusted person for a second opinion.
• Do not let urgency decide for you.