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.
1. Copy this prompt
Paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Grok (the free versions work), then replace the [highlighted brackets] with your details. Leave out account numbers and SSNs.
I received this message about money I'm supposedly owed: "[PASTE MESSAGE]". Don't click anything. 1) List the scam red flags you see, 2) tell me how to independently verify it through official sources (which .gov site or administrator), and 3) tell me what to do if I already shared information or paid.
2. Follow these steps
(stored only in your browser; uncheck to erase)
What to expect, and what to do if they say no
What happened when people tried it
Reported The FTC required it to pay $193,000, notify past subscribers and stop making unsupported claims that its AI performs like a human lawyer.
What the AI did: The FTC finalized an order against DoNotPay, which marketed itself as 'the world's first robot lawyer'.
Source: Federal Trade Commission · 2025-02-11 · Official regulator press release
Why this works
The problem: Money-recovery scams target the same people trying to save money, and some AI products overstate what they can do.
How AI helps: AI can check an offer against known red flags and help you find the official source. Never let it take you to a payment page.
Tools & what they cost
| Tool | Cost |
|---|---|
| FTC: Report fraud | Free (No cost at all) Free |
| FTC refund program FAQ | Free (No cost at all) Free |
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.
Watch out for
- Legitimate unclaimed property, FTC and class-action claims are free to file.
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Sources
- https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/02/ftc-finalizes-order-donotpay-prohibits-deceptive-ai-lawyer-claims-imposes-monetary-relief-requires
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2019/10/ftc-refunds-real-deal-or-not
- https://unclaimed.org/can-i-really-search-for-free/
Last verified 2026-10-19. Not financial, legal, tax or medical advice. Disclaimer.