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How to Use AI Safely: Privacy, Security and Scams

Protect your personal data, your employer's information and your accounts when using AI tools — and recognise AI-powered scams.

By AI Resource Hub Editorial TeamUpdated 2 min read
On this page
  1. Rule 1: Don't share what you wouldn't email to a stranger
  2. Rule 2: Check your data settings
  3. Rule 3: Be careful with connections and extensions
  4. Rule 4: Use official apps
  5. Rule 5: Watch for AI-powered scams
  6. Rule 6: Protect children
  7. Next steps

AI tools are safe to use for most everyday tasks if you follow a few simple rules. This guide covers what to share, what settings to check, and the AI-powered scams to watch for.

Rule 1: Don't share what you wouldn't email to a stranger

Never paste into an AI tool:

  • Passwords, PINs, one-time codes or recovery phrases.
  • Bank card numbers or account details.
  • ID, passport or national insurance/social security numbers.
  • Medical records of other people.
  • Confidential work information your employer hasn't approved for AI tools.
  • Other people's personal data without a lawful reason.

Replace names and details with placeholders such as [Client A] when you need help with a real situation.

Rule 2: Check your data settings

Most AI services let you control whether your conversations are used to improve their models and how long chats are stored. Look in the settings for data controls, history or privacy. Business and enterprise plans usually offer stronger protections – if you use AI at work, use your organisation's approved tools.

Rule 3: Be careful with connections and extensions

Connecting AI to your email, files or calendar is powerful, but it gives the tool access to a lot of information.

  • Only connect accounts you need.
  • Review permissions and remove connections you no longer use.
  • Install browser extensions only from developers you trust; they can read the pages you visit.

Rule 4: Use official apps

Fake "ChatGPT" or "Gemini" apps and websites exist to steal data or money. Download apps from official app stores and check the developer name. Type web addresses yourself rather than clicking ads.

Rule 5: Watch for AI-powered scams

Scammers use AI to:

  • Clone voices of family members asking for urgent money.
  • Create deepfake videos of public figures promoting investments.
  • Write convincing phishing emails without spelling mistakes.

Protect yourself:

  • Agree a family "safe word" for emergency calls.
  • Call back on a number you already know.
  • Be suspicious of urgency, secrecy and requests for gift cards, crypto or mobile money transfers.
  • Treat celebrity investment endorsements as fake until proven otherwise.

Rule 6: Protect children

Check age requirements for AI services, use parental controls and talk with children about not sharing personal information.

Next steps

Learn to spot AI hallucinations and read our privacy policy to see how this site handles your data.

Frequently asked questions

Do AI companies read my conversations?

Policies vary. Many services may review some conversations for safety or improvement unless you change settings or use a business plan. Read each tool's privacy policy.

How can I tell if a voice call is an AI clone?

You often can't by listening. Verify by calling back on a known number or asking a pre-agreed question.

AI Resource Hub Editorial Team

Our editors research AI tools using official documentation and reliable reporting, and update guides when products change. Read our editorial policy to see how we work. Editorial policy.

Tools in this guide

Claude

Anthropic

AI assistant known for long documents, careful writing and coding help.

  • Analysis of long PDFs and documents
  • Projects for organising files and instructions
  • Artifacts for documents, code and interactive pages
Free plan
Read reviewOfficial site (opens in a new tab)

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