Staying Safe with AI — What Seniors Need to Know

AI tools are safe and useful — but like anything on the internet, it helps to know a few simple rules. This guide will give you confidence and peace of mind so you can enjoy AI without worry.

✅ What Is Safe to Share with AI

These things are perfectly safe to discuss with AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot:

✓ General health questions ("What does high blood pressure mean?")
✓ Writing requests ("Help me write a birthday card")
✓ Recipe and cooking questions
✓ Travel questions and planning
✓ Entertainment recommendations
✓ Explaining news, concepts, or documents
✓ First names (like "help me write to my friend Mary")

🚫 What to NEVER Share with AI

⚠️ Never Share These

✗ Your Social Security Number (SSN)
✗ Passwords of any kind
✗ Bank account or credit card numbers
✗ Your full home address
✗ Medicare or insurance ID numbers
✗ Your date of birth combined with your full name
✗ Passport or driver's license numbers
✗ Any document photos or scans containing private numbers

AI tools are for asking questions and getting help with tasks — not for storing or processing your sensitive personal information.

AI Scam Warning Signs

Scammers have started using AI to make their scams more convincing. Here are the most important warning signs to know:

⚠️ If Someone Calls and Sounds Like AI (or Sounds Like Your Family)

Scammers can now use AI to clone voices. They might call you pretending to be your grandchild in trouble, or use a celebrity's voice to promote a fake investment. If a caller asks for money urgently, hang up. Call your family member back on a number you already know. Never send money based on a phone call alone.

⚠️ If an Email Claims to Be from ChatGPT, OpenAI, or Google AI

Real AI companies will never email you asking for payment information, passwords, or personal details out of the blue. If you get an email saying your "AI account" has a problem and you need to click a link and enter your details — that is a scam. Delete it.

⚠️ If a Website Promises AI Can Make You Rich Fast

Any website or social media post promising you can make thousands of dollars easily using a secret AI tool is a scam. Legitimate AI tools help you with tasks — they don't promise to make you rich overnight.

How to Verify Something Is Real

✅ The Simple Verification Rule

If something feels off, trust that feeling. Real companies never create emergencies. Real family members can be called back. Real offers don't disappear in 10 minutes. When in doubt — stop, pause, and call someone you trust before taking any action.

Trusted AI Companies (These Are Real)

✓ ChatGPT — chat.openai.com (made by OpenAI)
✓ Gemini — gemini.google.com (made by Google)
✓ Copilot — copilot.microsoft.com (made by Microsoft)
✓ Siri — built into Apple devices (made by Apple)

Simple Privacy Settings to Know

In ChatGPT, you can turn off the setting that uses your conversations for AI training. Go to: Settings → Data Controls → "Improve the model for everyone" → turn it off. This is optional but available if you prefer extra privacy.

Who to Call If Something Feels Wrong

📞 Important Phone Numbers

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) — Report scams:
1-877-382-4357 (toll-free)

AARP Fraud Helpline:
1-877-908-3360 (toll-free)

FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center:
ic3.gov (online reporting)

These organizations can help if you believe you've been targeted or scammed.