Think Before You Prompt: Using AI Wisely to Protect Your Money and Personal Information

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of everyday life.

People are using AI tools to draft emails, create shopping lists, plan vacations, compare products, and even get answers to financial questions. While these tools can save time and provide helpful information, it’s important to understand both their benefits and their limitations. AI can be a useful resource, but it shouldn’t replace common sense, trusted financial guidance, or careful decision-making.

As more consumers turn to AI for advice and recommendations, knowing how to use these tools safely can help protect your finances and personal information.

The Benefits of AI for Everyday Consumers

When used thoughtfully, AI can make many tasks easier. As you use more digital tools, it’s important to follow online banking security best practices to help protect your financial information.

You might use AI to:

• Better understand financial terms and concepts
• Create a budgeting template
• Compare savings strategies
• Draft questions before speaking with a financial professional
• Learn about different banking products and services
• Organize information for a major purchase, such as a vehicle or home

AI can be a great starting point when you’re researching a topic or trying to learn something new. It allows people to quickly access information and explore ideas they may not have considered.

The key is remembering that AI is a tool for education and assistance, not a substitute for professional expertise or personalized advice.

Not Everything an AI Tells You Is Correct

One challenge with AI is that it can sometimes present incorrect information with a high level of confidence.

AI tools generate responses based on patterns and data, but they do not truly understand your personal circumstances. They may lack critical details about your financial goals, income, debts, tax situation, or risk tolerance. As a result, recommendations that sound reasonable may not be appropriate for you.

Before making an important financial decision based on information generated by AI:

• Verify information through trusted sources
• Consult financial, legal, or tax professionals when appropriate
• Review information directly from reputable organizations
• Remember that your situation is unique

When it comes to your money, a second opinion is always worth the extra effort.

Be Careful What Information You Share

One of the most important rules of using AI safely is knowing what not to enter into a chatbot.

Many AI tools store information to improve future performance or provide better responses. Because of this, sensitive information should never be shared unnecessarily.

Avoid entering:

• Online banking credentials
• Passwords
• Account numbers
• Social Security numbers
• Tax documents
• Payment card information
• Any sensitive personal information

A good rule of thumb is simple: If you wouldn’t post it publicly online, don’t type it into an AI tool.

Protecting your personal information remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. Read more about Password Security 101.

AI Can Help You Research. It Shouldn’t Make Decisions for You.

AI can be a helpful assistant, but it should not become your decision-maker.

For example, an AI tool may help explain the difference between a checking account and a savings account. It may summarize what a mortgage is or explain how credit scores work. These educational uses can be valuable.

However, deciding how much to invest, which loan is right for you, or how to handle complex tax situations requires careful consideration and often professional guidance. AI may not understand all the factors involved in your decision.

Think of AI as a research partner rather than a financial advisor.

Watch for Scams That Use AI

As AI becomes more popular, scammers are finding new ways to misuse it.

Criminals can use AI to create convincing emails, text messages, voice recordings, and fake content designed to trick people into revealing sensitive information or sending money. Learning how to recognize phishing scams can help you avoid becoming a victim.

That’s why it’s important to:

• Verify unexpected requests for money
• Be cautious of urgent messages that create pressure
• Confirm suspicious communications through trusted channels
• Contact your financial institution directly if something doesn’t seem right

While AI can create powerful tools for consumers, it can also give scammers new ways to appear legitimate.

Use AI Wisely and Stay in Control

AI is likely to become even more common in our daily lives, and there are many positive ways to use it. The most successful users will be those who understand both its strengths and its limitations.

Use AI to learn, explore ideas, and save time. But when it comes to your finances, personal information, and important decisions, take the extra step to verify information and seek trusted guidance when needed.

Technology is a powerful tool. Using it wisely is what helps keep you safe.

Final Thoughts

At Heritage Bank, we believe technology should empower consumers, not confuse them. As new tools like AI become part of everyday life, staying informed can help you make smarter decisions and better protect your financial future.

When in doubt, ask questions, verify information, and rely on trusted sources before making important financial decisions.

Source

This article was inspired by the SANS Institute OUCH! Cybersecurity newsletter, “Think Before You Prompt: Using AI Safely“ (July 2026), which provides guidance on the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence tools.