Cheaper by AI

Scam & Safety Checks

Spot fake refund offers, risky apps and overhyped AI claims before they cost you.

8 ways to save

What do these labels mean?
  • Free No cost at all.
  • Free option available Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this.
  • Costs money You pay a set price or subscription.
  • Takes a cut of savings Charges a percentage of what it saves you.
  • Time · Difficulty Our estimates for a typical first try, not guarantees.
  • Reported What the linked source says happened, often self-reported. Your results will vary.

Cautionary taleFTC ordered an 'AI lawyer' app to pay $193,000

Spot refund scams and overhyped 'AI money' claims

Before you hand over data or fees, run a quick legitimacy check. Fake refund offers, paid 'finders' and overhyped AI tools are common.

10 min (estimated time)Easy difficulty (estimate)

Free (No cost at all)

Scam & Safety Checks

Reported outcomeDelivery-text scam caught before clicking

Paste a suspicious text or email into AI before you click anything

Delivery, toll, bank and refund texts are common phishing tricks. AI can point out red flags and tell you how to check the real company.

2–5 min (estimated time)Easy difficulty (estimate)

Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this)

Scam & Safety Checks

Cautionary taleChatGPT question ended a 10-hour scam (after $25,000 was lost)

Spot fake 'missed jury duty' and arrest-warrant scam calls

Callers posing as deputies or court staff demand bail or fines by crypto, gift cards or payment apps. Real courts never do this.

5 min (estimated time)Easy difficulty (estimate)

Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this)

Scam & Safety Checks

GuideSteps + prompt · no verified example yet

Check whether a debt collector is real before you pay

Fake collectors threaten arrest or demand quick payment for debts you don't recognize. AI can help you spot red flags and verify.

10 min (estimated time)Easy difficulty (estimate)

Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this)

Scam & Safety Checks

GuideSteps + prompt · no verified example yet

Avoid fake 'refund' and 'you were overpaid' tech support scams

Scammers claim you're owed a refund or that they refunded too much, then ask for remote access or money back. AI can help you check.

5 min (estimated time)Easy difficulty (estimate)

Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this)

Scam & Safety Checks

GuideSteps + prompt · no verified example yet

Freeze your credit for free at all three bureaus

A credit freeze blocks most new accounts in your name and is free. AI can walk you through doing it at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

20–30 min (estimated time)Easy difficulty (estimate)

Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this)

Scam & Safety Checks

GuideSteps + prompt · no verified example yet

Protect your family from AI voice-clone 'emergency' scams

Scammers can clone a relative's voice to fake an emergency and demand money. Agree on a family code word and a verification habit.

10–15 min (estimated time)Easy difficulty (estimate)

Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this)

Scam & Safety Checks

GuideSteps + prompt · no verified example yet

Check whether an online store or 'too good' deal is legitimate

Fake stores advertise deep discounts on social media, take payment and ship nothing (or knockoffs). AI can help you vet a site first.

5–10 min (estimated time)Easy difficulty (estimate)

Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this)

Scam & Safety Checks

Other categories

Bill Negotiation 10 Medical Bills & Health Insurance 13 Subscriptions & Refunds 10 Unclaimed Money 11 Insurance Shopping 11 Disputes & Fees 12 Price Tracking 8 Travel Refunds & Fares 10 Taxes & Benefits 13 Home & Everyday Spending 11 Car Costs 8 Debt & Interest 7 Scam & Safety Checks 8