How to Verify a Business Independently

When a message or caller says they represent a company, separate the claim from the channel that delivered it. A logo, familiar name, or local phone number can be copied or spoofed.

Example: an unexpected bank alert

A caller says there is fraud on your account and asks you to move money or read out a one-time code. End the call. Open the bank’s app yourself or use the number printed on your card, then ask whether the alert is genuine. Do not transfer funds while the unexpected caller guides you. The FTC warns about calls claiming your money is at risk.

Use a route you already trust

Open the company’s app yourself, use a bookmark you made earlier, or use a number printed on a card or statement. Ask whether there is actually an issue with your account, package, or payment. Do not use a link or callback number in the unexpected message for that first verification step.

If you searched for a company’s website, double-check that you reached its genuine site before entering credentials. A search result or sponsored link can lead to an impersonator. For a delivery or toll claim, visit the service’s official app or account page directly and check for the charge there.

If the claim turns out to be false

Block or report the sender using your phone’s controls. For a suspicious text, the FTC recommends reporting it through your messaging app or forwarding it to 7726. If you already paid or shared a password, use the recovery guide immediately.

The FTC’s spam-text guidance recommends this approach. If you want to inspect the structure of a link without visiting it, use our link inspector.