The Four-Stop Message Break
Apply a four-step stop sequence for suspicious messages: inspect, name pressure, verify independently, and report.
Use this four-stop flow when a message asks for a click, attachment open, credential entry, payment action, data export, or process exception. Four-stop message break Inspect identity and destination sender/address match, authentication clue, real URL 3 checks Name the pressure cue urgency, authority, secrecy, account risk, or deadline 1 cue Verify outside the message known app, saved bookmark, directory contact, CRM, or ticket 1 trusted channel Click nothing until verified links, QR codes, attachments, and reply-chain requests wait 0 message clicks Report with evidence message, sender, link preview, attachment, or QR photo 1 report Inspect before trust
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