What is the first step an advisor should take to confirm a user's identity?

The first step an advisor should take to confirm a user's identity is to always confirm identity. This foundational principle ensures that advisors approach the verification process with care and diligence. By prioritizing identity confirmation, advisors reinforce security protocols that protect users' personal information and accounts. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that identity verification is critical in assisting users with account-related inquiries or issues.

While checking a user's Apple ID, asking for a phone number, or using a social security number are specific methods for confirming identity, they are steps within the broader context of the necessity to always confirm identity as the primary guideline. This ensures that advisors employ the correct methods depending on the situation while adhering to best practices for user authentication. Cultivating a habit of always confirming identity lays the groundwork for secure interactions and builds trust between the advisor and the user.