Using AI safely: privacy and scams
AI is useful, but criminals use it too – and chatbots keep what you type in some form. A few habits keep you safe.
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What never to type into an AI chatbot
- Passwords, PINs, full card or bank details.
- National Insurance, passport or NHS numbers.
- Other people's private information without their permission.
- Anything you'd be upset to see leaked.
Many chatbots let you switch off using your chats for training in their settings – worth doing.
AI-powered scams to watch for
- Voice clones: a call or voice note that sounds like a family member asking for money urgently. Hang up and call them back on a number you know. Agree a family “safe word”.
- Fake celebrity videos promoting investments or crypto. Real celebrities don't endorse get-rich-quick schemes in ads.
- Perfect-looking phishing emails: spelling mistakes are no longer a reliable clue. Check the sender's address and never click links to “verify” your account.
- Fake AI apps: download only from official app stores and check the developer name.
Where to get help in the UK
- Report fraud and cybercrime: Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) – reportfraud.police.uk, or 0300 123 2040.
- Forward scam texts free to 7726.
- Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- If you've shared bank details, call your bank straight away – you can dial 159 to reach many UK banks safely.
Contact details can change; check gov.uk or your bank's site if unsure.