11 Chapter 11: Outsmarting Scams with AI: Tools You Can Use
You’ve read about how scammers are using AI to trick people through phone calls, fake voices, phony texts, and perfect-sounding love letters. But here’s the great news:
You can use AI tools too to investigate, double-check, and protect yourself.
In this chapter, you’ll learn how to use AI for good as your digital sidekick, your “second opinion,” and your tool for peace of mind.
You don’t have to be tech-savvy. You just have to know what to ask.
Why You Can Use AI Too
AI isn’t just a tool for scammers and computer experts. Many free AI tools are made for everyday people and they can help you:
- Detect suspicious messages or scams
- Check if a photo is real or stolen
- Ask questions about safety, fraud, or strange messages
- Spot red flags in emails, texts, or dating messages
Tools You Can Use to Outsmart Scammers
| Tool | What It Does | Where to Find It |
| ChatGPT | Analyzes suspicious messages or questions | chat.openai.com (free version available) |
| Google Reverse Image Search | Checks if a photo is stolen or fake | images.google.com > Click camera icon |
| SocialCatfish.com | Finds stolen profile pics or phone numbers | www.socialcatfish.com |
| HaveIBeenPwned.com | Tells you if your email has been leaked in a data breach | www.haveibeenpwned.com |
What You Can Ask an AI Tool Like ChatGPT
Just type or copy the message and ask a simple question. For example:
- “I got this message from Amazon. Is it a scam?”
- “Can you tell me if this dating message has red flags?”
- “Is this a common scam text?”
How to Use Reverse Image Search (In Simple Steps)
If someone online sends you a photo and you wonder if it’s real:
- Go to images.google.com
- Click the little camera icon
- Upload the photo or paste the link
- Google will show you where else that photo appears
✅ If it shows up on many sites with different names, it might be fake.
Hypothetical Scenario 1: “I Asked ChatGPT Before Replying”
Wanda, 70, got a text from someone claiming to be her bank:
“We noticed unusual activity on your account. Click here to verify your details.”
Before clicking, she copied the message and pasted it into ChatGPT, asking:
“Is this a real message or a scam?”
ChatGPT responded that legitimate banks don’t ask for information this way and explained the warning signs. Wanda deleted the text and blocked the number.
Hypothetical Scenario 2: “Reverse Image Search Saved My Heart”
Harold, 76, met “Linda” on a dating site. Her messages were sweet and her photo looked like it came from a magazine.
His granddaughter showed him how to use Google Reverse Image Search. They found the same photo on a dozen scam reports.
He blocked “Linda” and learned that AI can help detect lies just as easily as scammers use it to tell them.
AI Can Be Your Scam-Fighting Sidekick
Using AI to help protect yourself means:
- You’re asking smart questions
- You’re taking your time
- You’re using new tools to feel more confident
Proactive Step: Your “Ask AI Before You Click” Checklist
Before clicking a link, opening an email, or replying to a text, ask yourself:
✔️ Does this message sound urgent, emotional, or secretive?
✔️ Is it asking for money, personal info, or gift cards?
✔️ Can I copy and paste it into ChatGPT or show it to a family member?
✔️ Can I check a photo using Google Reverse Image Search?
If you answered yes to any of those questions. Pause, check, and protect yourself.
Final Thought: You’re Not Just Avoiding Scams — You’re Outsmarting Them
You’ve read the warnings. You’ve learned the tools. Now you’re equipped with AI-powered safety smarts. You can use AI to fight back.