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What never to type into an AI chatbot

Never type passwords, full financial account numbers, Social Security or Medicare numbers, or detailed medical and legal records into an AI chatbot. You can still get plenty of help by describing your situation in general terms. Here is a simple list of what to hold back, and what to type instead.

Step 1: Keep passwords and codes to yourself

This includes passwords, PINs, and the one-time codes sent to your phone. No genuine service will ever need them in a chat.

Safer prompt: "Give me tips for creating a password that is hard to guess but easy for me to remember. Do not ask for my real password."

Step 2: Hold back money details

Skip full bank account, credit card, and tax ID numbers. If you want help with a budget, use rounded figures.

Safer prompt: "I have about 2,000 dollars a month coming in and a few regular bills. Show me a simple way to organize a monthly budget."

For decisions about your money, check with your bank or a qualified adviser. AI can explain ideas, but it does not know your whole situation.

Step 3: Protect identity numbers

Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, passport numbers, and driver's license numbers should stay out of chats. If you need help with Medicare, ask in general terms.

Safer prompt: "In general terms, what is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage? Give me questions to ask on the official Medicare helpline."

Medicare rules change, so confirm anything important at Medicare.gov or by phone with Medicare directly.

Step 4: Keep medical records private

Avoid pasting in test results, diagnoses with your name attached, or insurance details. You can still learn.

Safer prompt: "Explain in simple words what high blood pressure means, and list questions I could ask my doctor at my next visit."

AI is not a doctor and can make mistakes. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before changing anything about your care.

Step 5: Be careful with legal papers

Contracts, wills, and court letters often hold names, addresses, and sensitive details. Describe the type of document instead.

Safer prompt: "What does a power of attorney usually do? Give me a plain-English overview and questions to bring to a lawyer."

Laws differ from place to place, so confirm with a lawyer before you sign or act.

Step 6: Leave out other people's private details

Your friends and family did not agree to have their information shared. Use first names only, or stand-ins such as "my sister."

Safer prompt: "Help me write a caring message to a family member who is going through a hard time. Keep it warm and short."

What to watch out for

  • "Just paste the whole letter." Convenient, but it can include details you did not notice. Read it first and trim.
  • Requests for your details from the chatbot itself. If it asks for numbers or passwords, stop.
  • Fake support chats. A pop-up claiming to be your bank or Medicare is likely a scam.
  • Answers that sound sure. AI can be wrong, so double-check anything important.
  • Old chats. Delete conversations you no longer need if the tool lets you.

A quick test

Before you press enter, ask: "Could someone use this to pretend to be me, or to find me?" If the answer is yes, take it out.

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