New AI tools appear every week, and not all of them are safe. Some collect more data than they need, and a few are scams. Use this checklist before you sign up.

1. Who makes it? Look for a real company, a real website and contact details.
2. Is there a privacy policy? Read what it says about your data and whether it uses your content to train models.
3. What permissions does it ask for? A writing tool should not need your contacts or your location.
4. Where do you download it? Use the official app store or the official website only.
5. What do independent reviews say? Search the tool’s name with the word “scam” or “problems”.
6. How does it make money? If it is free and there is no clear answer, your data may be the product.
7. Can you delete your data and account? You should be able to do both easily.

Good habits

• Never type passwords, bank details or ID numbers into an AI tool.
• Use a separate, strong password and two-step verification.
• Be careful with tools that promise “unlimited free” access to paid products.

Related reading: 8 red flags of online earning scams.