Methods and apparatus for digital data processing verification include performing on a first digital data processor steps of receiving, from a web browser, an email address; sending a message to the email address; and transmitting, to the web browser, proxy software that causes the web browser to (i) query an email client executing on the second digital data processor with that browser, and (ii) send a verification code when the message is received by the email client. This avoids disruption of the user experience typical to prior art email-based verification.