Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly common in everyday life. It can be an extremely useful tool for tasks such as summarising information and improving accessibility. However, it is important to recognise that there are also risks associated with AI and it should be used with caution.
This blog post looks at some of the potential dangers of AI, what to watch out for, and how you can protect yourself.
Scammers
Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated with how they target individuals, with many now using AI to make scams appear more convincing and realistic. For example, there has been an increase in complaints from consumers who have purchased poor-quality goods online after product images had been altered or enhanced using AI.
Falling victim to these types of scams can make you feel worried, angry and frustrated. At Citizens Advice our Consumer Service team has assisted people like Hannah who purchased a product online, but when it eventually arrived it was completely different to what was advertised and was very poor quality. The Consumer Service team supported her during this time and helped her to obtain a full refund (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/citizens-advice-helps-someone-with-a-fashion-purchase-woe-every-seven/).
Tips to protect yourself:
Be cautious when purchasing goods online from unknown or untrusted sellers.
Research the retailer and look for independent customer reviews before making a purchase.
Consider using third-party payment services, which can offer additional protection if something goes wrong.
Remember: if it is a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
See also for further information to protect yourself:
Misinformation
Many people are now turning to AI tools for advice and information, including complex topics.
However, AI can sometimes provide inaccurate or misleading answers while presenting the information in a confident and convincing way. This is because an AI tool is unable to consider all the complexities involved when providing tailored advice, like a human would be able to do.
Tips to protect yourself:
Always double check important information provided by AI using trusted sources or qualified advisers.
Avoid entering personal, private, or sensitive information into AI tools.
As a general rule, if you would not feel comfortable posting something publicly online or on social media, you should avoid sharing it with an AI tool.
See also for further information to protect yourself:
Share your experiences
Citizens advice is currently gathering evidence about the impact of AI and emerging consumer issues. If you have experiences or concerns you would like to share, please get in touch with us by contacting us
through our adviceline line: 0808 278 7893 or
If you believe you have been affected by a scam or misleading information online, Citizens Advice may be able to help.
FAQ:
1. What is AI hallucination?
This is when AI provides you with incorrect and / or misleading information, but it seems convincingly accurate.
2. What is a third-party payment service?
A third-party payment service is a secure system that users can sign up to which provides a layer of protection as your payment details are most often not visible to the vendor when purchasing items online.
Last updated 19 May 2026
Share this post: