Identify the project
Start from the author's CurseForge listing and use its linked source repository when checking provenance. Compare the author, project name, loader and supported game version. Search results and familiar-looking names alone are weaker evidence than the actual project and file details.
Choose the runtime jar
For ordinary play, download the normal mod jar rather than a sources archive. You should not need an unrelated downloader, browser extension or third-party installer to place that jar in an instance. Avoid bypassing security tools merely because a download page tells you to.
Protect your working setup
Back up worlds and configs before changing mods and test updates in a separate instance. Official provenance reduces impersonation risk but does not guarantee that executable code is risk-free. Keep your launcher and operating system maintained and review unexpected prompts before continuing.