A Step-by-Step Approach to Handling Suspicious Communications

Having a clear process to follow removes uncertainty and reduces risk.

Step 1: Pause Immediately

Do not respond straight away. Scammers rely on urgency and quick reactions.

Taking a moment to pause allows you to think clearly.

Step 2: Assess the Situation

Ask yourself:

• Was I expecting this?
• Does this request make sense?
• Is there any pressure to act quickly?

Step 3: Look for Red Flags

Check for:

• Requests for personal or financial information
• Urgent or threatening language
• Unusual payment instructions

Step 4: Do Not Use Provided Contact Details

Avoid calling numbers or clicking links included in the message. These may lead directly to scammers.

Step 5: Verify Independently

Use official websites or trusted sources to confirm whether the communication is legitimate.

If uncertainty remains, seek professional analysis before taking action.

Step 6: Take Action Based on Verification

Only proceed once you are confident the communication is genuine.

A Consistent Process

Following a structured approach removes guesswork and ensures you stay in control of the situation.