How to Spot a Fake AI “Expert”

Right now, everyone with a laptop and a ChatGPT account is calling themselves an “AI strategist.” They package up prompt lists, resell free tools, and position themselves as gatekeepers of knowledge that’s already public. For founders — especially women of color building on a budget — this noise can be expensive and misleading.

5 Red Flags of a Fake AI “Expert”

1. Selling Lists of “Magic Prompts.” Good AI prompts are about context, not copy-paste formulas. If someone is charging for 100 “perfect prompts,” you’re paying for Google-level information.

2. No Receipts, Just Buzzwords. Real experts show case studies: “Here’s how I saved a company 20 hours a week.” Fakes lean on words like “automation,” “scaling,” and “future-proof” with nothing tangible behind them.

3. Repackaging Free Tools. If their big reveal is ChatGPT, Canva, or Notion AI — you’ve been scammed. True AI strategy connects tools to your business goals.

4. Fear Tactics. “If you don’t master AI now, your business will die!” Real experts empower you. Fakes scare you into quick purchases.

5. No Tailored Guidance. If their advice looks identical for a nail salon, a law firm, and an online boutique — it’s not strategy, it’s fluff.

What Real AI Support Looks Like

• Transparency about tools (and that many are free).
• Clear before-and-after results, not just buzz.
• Teaching you how to think about AI, not just handing you a list.
• A focus on saving time, reducing costs, and opening opportunities.

Bottom Line

AI is powerful — but it’s also a new playground for hype-driven “gurus.” Don’t waste money on shallow advice. Instead, look for results, receipts, and practical applications you can see working in real businesses.

👉 Want vetted AI tools, real prompts, and strategies that actually work for founders like you?