More from the article...

... "Create a secret word or phrase with your family to verify their identity," wrote the FBI in an official public service announcement (I-120324-PSA).

For example, you could tell your parents, children, or spouse to ask for a word or phrase to verify your identity if something seems suspicious, such as "The sparrow flies at midnight," "Greg is the king of burritos," or simply "flibbertigibbet." (As fun as these sound, your password should be secret and not the same as these.)

The bureau also recommends that people listen carefully to the tone and word choices in unexpected calls claiming to be from family members. The FBI reports that criminals use AI-generated audio to create convincing voice clips of relatives pleading for emergency financial help or ransom payments. ...

@#1 ... For example, you could tell your parents, children, or spouse to ask for a word or phrase to verify your identity ...

imo, "tell" i the important aspect here.

Don't us email, which may be monitored.

Talk directly with those who matter to you.

Preferably in person, face to face.

@#2

OK, trying to bypass this faulty keyboard... (fwiw, there's a new laptop being delivered in a few days. Hopefully, it is the laptop and not me. :) ...)

imo, "tell" is the important aspect here.

Don't use email, which may be monitored.

Talk directly with those who matter to you.

Preferably in person, face to face.

@#1 ... For example, you could tell your parents, children, or spouse to ask for a word or phrase to verify your identity if something seems suspicious, such as ...

imo, that seems to be a norm in secure discussions.

i.e., always begin the discussion with [code phrase] when we talk.