Safety and Confidence

~12 min read

Using AI confidently means knowing not just what it can do, but also what to watch out for. This chapter gives you the practical knowledge to use AI safely every day.

The most important rule: never give AI your passwords, bank details, National Insurance number, or passport number. ChatGPT does not need this information for any legitimate task. If you ever receive a message — by email, text, or phone — from someone claiming to be "AI support" or "ChatGPT service" asking for personal or financial details, it is a scam. Ignore it completely and report it if you can.

AI can make mistakes. It is not a doctor, a lawyer, or a financial adviser. When ChatGPT gives you health information, use it as a starting point for a conversation with your GP — not as a final answer. When it tells you about legal matters, verify everything with a qualified professional. Think of it as a well-meaning friend who reads a lot but sometimes gets things wrong.

One of the most useful safety skills is fact-checking. If ChatGPT tells you something that surprises you or seems too dramatic, ask it: "How confident are you about this? What sources would you recommend I check?" You can also search for the same information in a newspaper or official website.

Scam messages often create a sense of urgency — "You must act now!", "Your account will be closed today!" Legitimate organisations do not communicate this way. Slow down, breathe, and call a family member or a trusted friend before doing anything. Using AI well means staying calm, curious, and gently sceptical — and that is exactly the kind of confident user you are becoming.