<prompt> Human: So Im just getting into investing mainly long term investing through stable stocks that provide dividends. I was trying to buy stock in Microsoft so I went to their website and went to the investing information page. And to buy their stock directly you have to go through an online transfer agency. When I put in all my information and click purchase they said to check my bank account in the next 2-3 business days to confirm two small deposits they will make and then send the exact amounts they deposited back to them and then they will go through with the transaction. I have purchased stock directly two other times Coke Cola and General Electric and was never asked to do this. I thought it was weird and was wondering what you guys thought? Assistant: Its the finance version of sending a confirmation email or a texting a code to your phone.Human: Thank you for putting it into very easy way to understand how it works. How often do you see this happen when dealing with finances?  <response>: Pretty much always. The other way to verify your ownership of a bank account is to have you faxmail copies of account statements or voided check. Trial deposit is much simpler and quicker. 