The good news is that you can protect yourself with a few simple habits. These checks take seconds, and they dramatically reduce your risk. 

Start With the Official Source - The safest way to get a legitimate phone number or support link is to go directly to the organization’s official website.

  • Type the organization’s name into your browser yourself. Never click a link from a text or email.
  • Look for the “Contact,” “Support,” or “Help” section.
  • If you’re dealing with a government agency, make sure the URL ends in .gov.

Red flag: A site that looks official but has a strange domain like .info, .help, .support, or a long string of extra words.

Check the URL Carefully - Scammers rely on tiny changes that are easy to miss. Before you click or call, scan the URL for:

  • Misspellings (e.g., micorsoft.com)
  • Extra characters (e.g., paypal-support.com instead of paypal.com)
  • Hyphens or added words (e.g., irs-refund-now.com)
  • Wrong domain endings (e.g., .net or .co instead of .com or .gov)

If something feels “off,” trust that instinct.

Look for HTTPS—but Don’t Rely on It Alone - A secure site will show:

  • A padlock icon
  • A URL starting with https://

This means the connection is encrypted, but it does not guarantee the site is legitimate. Scammers can get HTTPS certificates too. Treat it as a minimum requirement, not a stamp of authenticity.

Verify the Number Through Multiple Channels - If you find a phone number online:

  • Cross-check it on at least two official sources.
  • Compare it with the number printed on official documents, statements, or the back of your card.
  • Search the number itself—if it’s a scam, people often report it.

Never rely on a number that came from a pop-up, unsolicited email, or text message.

Be Wary of “Support” Numbers in Search Results - Search engines try to filter out scams, but fake support numbers still slip through.

Safer approach:

  • Search for the organization’s official website, not the phone number.
  • Navigate to the contact page from there.

Scammers often buy ads to appear at the top of search results, so don’t assume the first result is the right one.

Avoid Clicking Links in Messages - If you receive a text, email, or social media message telling you to “call this number immediately” or “click here for support,” pause.  Legitimate organizations rarely contact you this way unless you initiated the interaction.

When in doubt:

  • Go directly to the official website.
  • Log in through your usual method.
  • Check for alerts inside your account.

Trust Behavior, Not Branding - Scammers can copy logos, colors, and layouts perfectly. What they can’t fake as easily is behavior.

Red flags include:

  • Pressure to act immediately
  • Requests for payment or gift cards
  • Asking for passwords or full Social Security numbers
  • Telling you not to hang up or call back
  • Refusing to let you verify the number independently

A legitimate support agent will never object to you double-checking their contact information.

When in Doubt, Stop and Verify - If something feels wrong, step back. You can always:

  • Hang up and call the official number from the organization’s website
  • Ask a trusted friend or family member to look at the link
  • Use a known, official app instead of a website

Scammers rely on panic and urgency. Slowing down is your best defense.

Final Thoughts

Reaching out for help should feel safe. By building a habit of checking URLs, verifying numbers, and trusting your instincts, you can protect yourself from fraud and make sure you’re connecting with the real support you need.