SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sec-verify-known-number

A message claims to be from your bank. What is the safest way to check whether it is real?

Contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real.

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  1. Call a number you already know is real ✔
  2. Call the number in the message
  3. Reply and ask if it is real

Why: The contact details in a scam message lead to the scammer. Use the number on your card, your statement or the company's real site.

Huh, didn't know that: The FTC suggests first asking yourself: do I even have an account with this company?

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What do you call a computer superhero? A Screen Saver.
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References

Answer: Call a number you already know is real. The contact details in a scam message lead to the scammer. Use the number on your card, your statement or the company's real site.

  1. FTC: How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
    contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

Security & PrivacyThere's a QR code sticker on the parking meter. What's the smart move before you pay?Security & PrivacyA website shows a padlock and https. What does that tell you?Security & PrivacyA phishing email lands in your inbox. The FTC says to forward it to which group?

That's stuff everyone should know.