A familiar logo, invoice layout or message thread does not prove where money will go. The most important check happens at the destination: does the name and account information match the person or business you intend to pay?
Verify through a separate channel
For a new payee or changed details, contact the recipient using a phone number or website you already trust—not the contact details in the message announcing the change. Read the account information back and ask the recipient to confirm it. Where your payment service displays a resolved name, compare it carefully rather than treating any green indicator as a reason to stop thinking.
Make the approval screen count
Before authorising, review the amount, destination name, reference and source account as one complete instruction. Be especially cautious if someone is rushing you, asking you to ignore a warning or moving the conversation to a new channel. If anything is inconsistent, pause and investigate.
A practical next step
- Confirm new or changed details through an independent channel.
- Read the destination name and amount on the final approval screen.
- Stop if the recipient, message or timing creates pressure.