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Is AI Going to Scam Me? Your Biggest Fear About AI (And How to Stay Safe)

  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read


Last week, someone asked me: "Carson, I want to try ChatGPT, but how do I know it's not going to scam me?"


She wasn't asking if ChatGPT itself would steal her credit card. She was asking something deeper: In a world full of AI-generated fake videos, deepfakes, and misleading information, how do you know what's real anymore?


That's a really good question.


The Fear Is Real (And Valid)

You've probably seen the headlines:

  • Fake videos of celebrities saying things they never said

  • AI-generated images that look completely real

  • Scammers using AI voices to impersonate family members

  • News articles that sound real but are completely made up


No wonder you're scared to even try AI! If AI can create all this fake stuff, how do you know what to trust?


Here's what I tell people: Your fear makes you smart, not behind.


The people getting scammed? They're the ones who trust everything without questioning it. You're already ahead by being cautious.


The Truth About ChatGPT and Safety

First, let's separate two things:


Using AI tools like ChatGPT is safe. You're not going to get scammed by asking it for a recipe or travel advice. It's free, doesn't require a credit card, and can't access your bank account.


AI-generated content from other people (fake videos, images, emails) is where the danger lives. This is what you need to watch out for.


Three Simple Rules to Stay Safe


1. Don't Share Personal Information With AI

Never type into ChatGPT:

  • Your Social Security number

  • Credit card numbers

  • Passwords

  • Personal health details

  • Your home address


Think of ChatGPT like a stranger at the library. Great for general questions. Bad for private information.


2. Always Double-Check Important Information

ChatGPT is helpful, but it's not perfect. It makes mistakes.

If you ask about medical advice, verify it with your doctor.


If you ask about financial decisions, talk to a professional.


If it gives you "facts," especially important ones, Google them to confirm.

AI is a starting point, not the final answer.


3. If Something Feels Off, It Probably Is

Got an email that sounds like your grandson but asks for money? Call him directly.


See a video of a celebrity saying something shocking? Check a reliable news source.


Get a message with urgent pressure to act now? Pause and verify first.

Scammers use urgency to make you panic. Take your time.


What About Sources?

Here's something that frustrates people: ChatGPT doesn't always tell you where it got information.


If you need sources, try Perplexity (www.perplexity.ai) instead. It's another free AI tool that includes links to its sources. Same idea as ChatGPT, but it shows its work.

For everyday questions (recipes, writing help, planning trips), ChatGPT is fine.


For research or fact-checking, Perplexity is better.


The Real Risk Isn't Using AI - It's Avoiding It

Here's what worries me more than making a mistake with AI:


Avoiding AI completely and falling further behind.

While you're scared to try ChatGPT, scammers are using AI to create more convincing scams. Your grandkids are using AI for homework. Your friends are using it to plan trips.


The best defense against AI scams? Understanding how AI works.


When you use ChatGPT yourself, you start to recognize AI-generated content. You understand its limitations. You get better at spotting what's fake.


Start Small and Safe

You don't have to jump in all at once. Try this:

  1. Go to https://chatgpt.com (no download, no credit card)

  2. Ask something simple: "Give me 3 dinner ideas using chicken"

  3. See what happens

  4. Try another question


You're not signing up for anything. You're not giving away information. You're just having a conversation with a computer helper.


That's it.


The Bottom Line

Your concerns about AI, fraud, and what to trust? They're 100% valid.

But hiding from AI won't keep you safe. Understanding it will.


Start with simple questions. Don't share personal info. Double-check important facts. And trust your gut when something feels wrong.


The people who get scammed aren't the ones asking careful questions like you. They're the ones who blindly trust everything.


You're already thinking critically. That's your best defense.



Ready to learn more about using AI safely? Order our “AI for Beginners Handout,” which includes coaching sessions at https://www.carsontech.ai/product-page/ai-for-beginners-handout-coaching

 
 
 

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