Verify Suspicious Messages and Links for Scams using ChatGPT or Claude with Norton Genie

What you’ll get

You will get a clear assessment of whether a text message, email, link, or online conversation is a scam. The AI will explain why it looks legitimate or suspicious, if it matches a known scam pattern, and what you should do next (block, report, or ignore). This approach works because it combines the AI’s understanding with real-time threat intelligence from cybersecurity experts, helping to identify new and evolving scam patterns quickly.

Tools you need

• ChatGPT (freemium): The popular AI chatbot from OpenAI.
• Claude (freemium): An AI chatbot from Anthropic, known for its long context window.
• Norton Genie (free): A free AI-powered scam detection tool, used here as a plugin or connector within AI chatbots.
• Malwarebytes (free): A cybersecurity company offering tools to protect against malware and scams, used here as a plugin or connector.

Steps

1. Choose your AI Chatbot: Decide whether you want to use ChatGPT or Claude for this task. Both offer free tiers and can integrate the scam detection tools.

   • What to do: Open your preferred AI chatbot in your web browser or mobile app.
   • What you should see: The main chat interface of ChatGPT or Claude.

2. Add the scam detection plugin or connector: You need to add either Norton Genie or Malwarebytes to your chosen chatbot. The author states these are free to use within the chatbots.

   • What to do (ChatGPT): In the ChatGPT interface, look for the “Apps” or “Plugins” section (usually in the sidebar). Search for “Norton Genie” or “Malwarebytes” and add it.
   • What to do (Claude): In the Claude interface, go to “Settings” (often a gear icon) and then find “Connectors.” Search for “Norton Genie” or “Malwarebytes” and add it.
   • What you should see: A confirmation that the plugin or connector has been successfully added or enabled.

3. Activate the plugin or connector for your chat: Before asking your question, make sure the scam detection tool is active for the conversation.

   • What to do: In ChatGPT, you might need to select the plugin from a dropdown menu above the chat input box. In Claude, once a connector is added, it’s usually available to be selected or automatically used when relevant. Start a new chat if you’re unsure.
   • What you should see: An indication that the Norton Genie or Malwarebytes plugin/connector is active for your current chat session.

4. Paste your suspicious content and ask for a check: Copy the exact message, link, or conversation you want to check. The more detail you provide, the better the AI can analyze it.

   • What to do (for suspicious messages): Paste the message into the chat and use this prompt:

   Is this a scam: [paste the message exactly as you got it, or upload a screenshot] Tell me specifically what makes it look legitimate or suspicious, whether it matches a known scam pattern, and what I should do next, block, report, or ignore.

   • What to do (for suspicious links): Paste the link into the chat and use this prompt:

   Check this link before I click it: [paste it]. Is this a real site, a lookalike, or something dangerous?

   • What to do (for suspicious marketplace conversations): Paste the conversation into the chat and use this prompt:

   Here's a conversation with someone I'm buying from: [paste the messages]. Does anything here match a common marketplace scam, and how do I respond safely?

   • What you should see: A detailed response from the AI, powered by the scam detection tool, explaining its findings and recommending a course of action.

5. Understand the AI’s response: Pay close attention to the AI’s assessment, especially if it indicates uncertainty.

   • What to do: Read the AI’s explanation carefully. If the response comes back as “uncertain,” treat it as a warning to be cautious, not as a sign that it’s probably safe.
   • What you should see: A clear understanding of the potential risk and the recommended next steps.

Original source

This workflow was shared by Reddit user /u/Professional-Rest138 on the Reddit platform. The author highlighted how major cybersecurity companies like Norton and Malwarebytes have integrated their threat intelligence into popular AI chatbots to provide reliable scam checks.

Notes & variations

• Free-tier alternative: If you prefer not to use an AI chatbot, Norton Genie also offers a standalone free web tool at genie.norton.com where you can paste suspicious content directly for analysis.
• Common mistake: A frequent error is to assume an “uncertain” result means the content is probably safe. The author explicitly warns that “uncertain” means the AI hasn’t seen a categorised pattern yet, and you should treat it as a signal to be careful, not to proceed.
• Tip for better results: Always provide the complete, unedited text or a clear screenshot of the suspicious message, link, or conversation. Any missing details could lead to a less accurate assessment from the AI.