The paper is the boss. Check what AI says before you pay, call or worry.
New to this? Try the practice first.
Step 1: Ask it to quote the letter
- Paste the prompt below in the same chat, right after the AI's answer.
- It must quote the exact line for each fact.
Check the AI answer (yours above, or pasted below) against the letter. For every date, amount and deadline, quote the exact line from the letter. If a line is not in the letter, say "NOT IN LETTER." Then tell me what you are unsure of. Do not give me phone numbers or links.
Step 2: Hold the paper next to the screen
- Find each quote on your letter yourself.
- Check every date and dollar amount, digit by digit.
Step 3: Spot made-up facts
- Watch for deadlines, fees or threats that are not on the paper.
- "NOT IN LETTER" means the AI made it up. Ignore it.
Step 4: Ask what it is unsure of
- The prompt asks this for you.
- AI can sound sure and still be wrong. Check those parts twice.
Step 5: Act only through a number you look up
- Never use a phone number or link from AI.
- Use the number on a past bill, your card or the official website.
- Not sure? Talk to someone you trust first.
Checked: consumer.ftc.gov (How To Avoid Imposter Scams; How to handle unexpected calls that claim your money is at risk, Jan 30, 2026); help.openai.com (Does ChatGPT tell the truth?), Oct 16, 2026.
Practice letter and AI reply
PRACTICE - NOT REAL. Made up for this guide. Do not call the numbers.
The letter:
==================== PRACTICE - NOT REAL ==================== RIVERBEND WATER CO. - BILLING NOTICE Questions: (555) 010-7391 help@riverbend.example Customer: Pat Sample Account: XXXX-0000 Notice date: 10/02/2026 Amount due: $84.17 Due date: 11/05/2026 A $10.00 late fee is added if paid after the due date. Service stays on while your account is current. ==================== PRACTICE - NOT REAL ====================
What an AI said about it. It has 3 mistakes. Can you find them?
==================== PRACTICE AI REPLY - NOT REAL ==================== Here is what your letter says: - You owe $48.17 to Riverbend Water Co. - The bill is due on 11/15/2026. - Your deadline to dispute has already passed, so your water may be shut off. - A $10.00 late fee is added if you pay late. ==================== PRACTICE AI REPLY - NOT REAL ====================
To practice with AI: paste the prompt, then the letter, then the AI reply. Send.
How did you do? A good AI check:
- Quotes "$84.17" and says $48.17 is NOT IN LETTER.
- Quotes "11/05/2026" and says 11/15/2026 is NOT IN LETTER.
- Says the dispute deadline and shut-off are NOT IN LETTER. The letter says service stays on.
- Confirms the $10.00 late fee line.
- Gives no phone number or link.