Think Before You Type: Financial Information You Should Never Share With AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a helpful tool for creating budgets, answering financial questions, and learning about money. However, sharing certain personal details with AI tools can put your privacy and financial security at risk.
At Telcoe Federal Credit Union, we want our members to feel confident navigating their finances, including understanding how to protect their information when using new technology.
Financial Information to Keep Private
Before entering a prompt or uploading a document to an AI tool, avoid sharing these sensitive details:
Bank account and card numbers: Your checking and savings account numbers, full debit or credit card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes.
Login credentials: Online banking usernames, passwords, PINs, and one-time verification codes.
Personal identification: Your Social Security number, driver's license number, date of birth, and home address.
Tax and income documents: Tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, and other documents containing private financial information.
Credit and loan information: Full credit reports, loan applications, and account statements that reveal identifying details or account numbers.
Even if you are only asking for help with a budget or trying to understand a loan, you can usually get general guidance without sharing sensitive information.
How to Use AI More Safely
You don't have to avoid AI completely to protect your finances. Instead, take a few precautions:
Keep prompts general. Use approximate dollar amounts and spending categories instead of uploading bank statements.
Review documents before uploading. Remove personal identifiers and account details whenever possible.
Check privacy settings. AI tools have different policies for storing conversations and using data, so understand the service before sharing information.
Verify financial advice. AI can make mistakes, so confirm important information with trusted financial professionals or official sources.
What If You've Already Shared Sensitive Information with AI?
If you've accidentally shared private information, don't panic, but take action. Change any exposed passwords, contact your financial institution if account or card details were shared, and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. If your Social Security number was exposed, consider monitoring your credit and placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if appropriate.
Deleting a conversation may help, but it does not guarantee that all copies of the information have been removed.
Protect Your Financial Future
AI can make everyday financial tasks easier, but protecting your personal information should always come first. By thinking carefully about what you share and using trusted resources for personal account information, you can take advantage of technology while helping safeguard your finances.
For more information on consumer protection please visit https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-online-security
At Telcoe Federal Credit Union, we're committed to helping our members make informed financial decisions. Visit our website, come by any of our branch locations, or give us a call at 501-375-5321 for any questions about your account.
