New AI apps show up every week. Some are wonderful. Some are copycats built to look like the real thing and take your money or your information.
Here are the five checks I run before I download anything.
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Check 1 · Who made it?
Look at the developer name under the app’s title. Better yet, go to the company’s own website and follow their link.
“I found an app called [app name] from [developer name] that says it’s an AI assistant. How can I check whether it’s the official app from the real company, and what warning signs should I look for?”
Check 2 · What does it cost?
Many “free” apps start a trial that turns into a weekly or monthly charge. On a phone, subscriptions are managed in your app store settings, not inside the app.
“Before I sign up for [app name]: is it free, a free trial that turns into a paid subscription, or paid? How would I cancel? If you’re not sure, tell me exactly where to check.”
Check 3 · What does it want access to?
Contacts, photos, microphone, location? Ask why. It’s fine to tap “don’t allow.”
“An AI app is asking for access to my [contacts / photos / microphone / location]. Why might it want that, do I need to allow it, and is it safe to say no?”
Check 4 · What happens to what you type?
“Where do I find your privacy and data settings, and how do I control whether my conversations are saved or used to improve the tool? Give me simple step by step directions.”
Then open the settings yourself and look.
Check 5 · Does it pass the tests?
Give it the same prompt as your favorite tool, then ask:
“Before I trust this, tell me how confident you are, and what parts of this you might be guessing at rather than certain about.”
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📋 Your checklist
☐ Real developer, real company
☐ I know the price and how to cancel
☐ Only the access it truly needs
☐ I’ve checked the privacy settings
☐ It beats what I already use
Fails check 1 or 2? Delete it right away.
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Please share this with a friend. Scammers get busier as the holidays get closer, and a two minute check can save someone a lot of trouble.
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👉🎬 Watch today’s Lecture: all five checks, explained.
🐾 Debbie
AI Puppy Playbook · aipuppyplaybook.com