Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life, helping people draft emails, summarize information, plan trips, create images, and more. While AI can be a useful tool, it also comes with risks. Many people share personal information with AI tools without fully understanding how that information may be used, stored, or shared.

This month, we're reminding account holders that a few simple habits and common-sense precautions can go a long way toward protecting their privacy and personal data.

Safe Use of Artificial Intelligence: A Consumer Guide

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has quickly become part of everyday life. It can help write an email, answer a question, plan a trip, create an image, summarize information, or even help you shop. Used carefully, AI can be a useful tool. But just like any technology, AI comes with risks.

One of the biggest concerns is how much personal information people share with AI tools without realizing where that information may go or how it could be used. 

The good news? A few common-sense habits can go a long way to help protect you and your information.

Think before you type

Treat an AI tool much like any other online service. Before entering any information, stop and ask yourself: would I feel comfortable sharing this information with a stranger?

Never enter sensitive information such as:

• Social Security numbers

• Account or debit card numbers

• Passwords or security codes

• Online banking login information

• Tax or financial documents

• Medical records

• Copies of identification

• Private information about you or someone else

If you wouldn’t want to post it publicly or send it to someone you don’t know, don’t put it into an AI chatbot.

Don’t assume the answer is correct

AI can provide convincing answers that aren’t necessarily accurate. It can misunderstand a question, leave out important information, or present outdated or incorrect information with confidence.

This is especially important when using AI for financial, legal, medical, tax, or other important decisions.

Use AI as a starting point, not the final word. Make sure to verify important information and key facts with trusted sources, such as your financial institution, a government agency, a qualified professional, or a company’s official website. AI can serve as a guide but should never be considered a final authority.

Be skeptical of AI-generated messages

AI has made it easier for scammers to create convincing emails, text messages, phone scripts, images, and even voices. A message could sound professional, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s legitimate. Scammers can use AI to make phishing attempts more convincing and to personalize their messages using information gathered from social media and other sources.

Proceed with caution if a message:

• Creates a sense of urgency or panic

• Asks for money, passwords, or security codes

• Tells you to move money to keep it safe

• Includes an unexpected link or attachment

• Asks you to keep a transaction secret

• Sounds like someone you know but seems slightly unusual or out of character

If something feels off, don’t respond to the message. Instead, make sure to contact the person or organization using a phone number, website, or email address that you already know is legitimate.

Don’t let AI make financial decisions for you

AI can be helpful when researching a financial topic, but it shouldn’t replace your own judgment or guidance from your trusted financial institution.

Be especially careful with AI-generated investment recommendations, cryptocurrency recommendations, loan offers, tax advice, and financial “guarantees.” Scammers may also use AI to create fake investment websites, social media profiles, videos, or endorsements that appear legitimate.

Before you take action related to your finances, pause and verify who you’re dealing with, and follow up with trusted advisors before making decisions.

Use AI responsibly

AI isn’t necessarily something to avoid, but when you do use AI, the goal is to use it thoughtfully. Before using an AI tool, check the privacy settings and understand what information you’re agreeing to share. Don’t assume that deleting a conversation means that the information was immediately erased from every system. If you’re using AI for work, be sure to follow your organization’s AI usage policies.

Remember that AI-generated outputs–including images, audio, and video-aren’t necessarily proof that something happened and may not always be accurate. Make sure you verify the source.

Keep it simple – Stop, think and verify.

Before sharing information with an AI tool or acting on something AI has generated, take a moment to consider your next steps. Consider what you’re being asked to provide, whether the information you received from AI makes sense, and whether you can verify it through a trusted, reliable source. AI can be a helpful tool, but keeping your personal and financial information private and secure still starts with you.

We’re Committed to Your Security

Your trust is important to us. That’s why we continually invest in advanced security measures, fraud detection tools, and educational resources to help protect your financial information.

Preventing fraud is a shared responsibility. By staying informed and remaining vigilant, we can work together to reduce the impact of scams in our community.

If you ever have concerns about a suspicious message, phone call, email, or text, or if you notice an unauthorized transaction that appears to involve our institution or your account, please contact us directly. Our team is here to help investigate and guide you on the appropriate next steps.

[Personalize this section to reflect benefits included in your Econocheck Program] If you believe you have become a victim of a scam or that your personal information has been compromised, it’s important to act quickly. As an <EMBEDDED ACCOUNT> account holder, you have access to professional Identity Theft Recovery Advocates who are available to assist you through the recovery process. These experts can work on your behalf to help restore your identity and address the effects of identity theft.

To learn more about your <EMBEDDED ACCOUNT> benefits or to access available resources, contact us or visit our website.

Helpful Resources

For additional information about online safety, scams, and steps you can take to help protect your identity, visit our website or trusted resources such as:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)