A friend keeps getting suspicious texts and emails asking for money or details. What would you tell them to stay safe?

B Natural answer

I'd tell them to treat every unexpected request with caution. The safest approach is to verify through official channels before sending anything, which means using the company website, app, or a known phone number instead of replying to the message. I'd also say never share passwords, bank details, or one-time codes, even if the message sounds urgent. A lot of scams try to create panic so you move too fast. It is also smart to turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts, because that adds another layer of protection if someone gets hold of a password. Finally, if the message looks fake, report it as spam so the service can flag it and other people can be protected too. If they are ever unsure, the best habit is to pause, check, and ask a real person before taking action.

Key phrases in this answer

• verify through official channels — confirm something using trusted company or organization contact methods“If the bank asks for details, verify through official channels first.”
• one-time codes — temporary security codes used for login or identity checks“Never share one-time codes with anyone over text or email.”
• turn on two-factor authentication — add a second login step for account security“Turn on two-factor authentication for your email and bank accounts.”
• report it as spam — mark a message as unwanted or fraudulent“If the message is fake, report it as spam right away.”
• check the sender — look closely at who sent the message“Before you answer, check the sender and make sure the address is real.”
• don't click any links — avoid opening links in a suspicious message“If the email looks strange, don't click any links until you verify it.”