When a vendor sends an email with changes to their banking information, what should a government do to confirm these changes?

When a vendor sends an email with changes to their banking information, it is essential for a government entity to take appropriate steps to confirm the authenticity of those changes. Calling the vendor using the number the government has on file is the best practice in this scenario. This method employs an established communication channel that the government has already verified during previous interactions, which significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to fraud or phishing schemes.

Using the number on file means reaching out to a recognized and trusted contact point, ensuring that the person on the other end is genuinely affiliated with the vendor. This confirmation step is crucial in protecting sensitive financial information and maintaining the integrity of the government’s financial practices.

Other options, while they may seem like steps toward due diligence, do not provide the same level of assurance. For instance, responding to the email could lead to further confusion or risk, as the email could potentially be from a malicious actor. Calling the number listed in the email could also be problematic; if the email were fraudulent, that number could lead to a scammer. Mail confirmation may take too long in a time-sensitive environment and does not guarantee immediate feedback. Hence, using an already established contact number is the safest and most effective approach.