Is fTLD verification the same as Whois (RDDS) verification?
No, the verification process is mandated for all .BANK and .INSURANCE domain registrations.
In contrast, the Whois verification process is required by ICANN to be conducted annually by Registrars to confirm accurate contact information. Registrars are required to contact their Registrants to conduct this verification.
Registrants may risk having their domain name suspended or cancelled for failure to respond to either type of verification request. If you want to confirm whether the request is legitimate, please contact fTLD at verify@fTLD.com