Are There Security Risks With Custom GPTs? (And How to Keep Your Business Safe)

When I first started building AI assistants, one of my earliest clients—a boutique law firm—called me in a panic. Their newly installed chatbot had just told a client, “Sure, I can provide legal advice on your case!”

Cue the collective gasp. That wasn’t just embarrassing—it was a potential compliance nightmare.

The truth is, AI is powerful, but if not trained and guarded correctly, it can leak sensitive info, overshare, or mislead customers. That’s why the #1 question I hear is: “Are there security risks with custom GPTs?”

The answer: Yes, but only if you don’t know how to lock the doors. And as the leading AI chatbot creator in the United States, I’ve spent years building systems that are both powerful and safe. Let’s dive in.

The Real Security Risks With Custom GPTs

Here are the big concerns every business owner should know:

• Prompt Leaks – Imagine asking your chatbot a question, and it blurts out internal policies or hidden instructions it was never supposed to reveal. It’s like a rookie employee gossiping in the break room.

• Data Exposure – If your chatbot touches sensitive info (like payment details or customer records) without guardrails, you’re playing with fire.

• Overcollection – Some bots ask for way too much information. Do you really need a customer’s birth date just to schedule a haircut? (Nope.)

• Hallucinations – When a bot “confidently” makes up answers, customers get misled—and your credibility takes the hit.

When AI Went Rogue (And How We Fixed It)

A local HVAC company came to me frustrated. Their chatbot was trained on every single PDF they had ever created. The result? Customers were being told about service packages that hadn’t existed since 2012.

Instead of throwing the whole idea out, we restructured their training. We limited the bot to only current FAQs, pricing sheets, and policies. Within weeks, complaints dropped to zero, and the bot was booking 30+ appointments a month.

The moral: security risks usually come from feeding AI too much or the wrong data.

What Customers Actually Expect

Here’s the good news: customers don’t hate chatbots. They hate bad chatbots. What they really want is:

• Speed – Instant answers to simple questions.

• Transparency – Don’t pretend to be human. Say, “I’m your AI assistant”.

• Human Backup – A way to talk to a real person if needed.

• Relevance – No generic filler, just useful answers.

Get these right, and your chatbot isn’t just tolerated—it’s appreciated.

How I Keep Custom GPTs Safe (Without Killing the Fun)

Here’s my blueprint, tested across dozens of businesses:

1. Limit Knowledge – Only load public-facing content (FAQs, website copy, approved PDFs).

2. Set Boundaries – Restrict rules so the bot won’t guess or make up sensitive details.

3. Human Escape Hatch – Always include “Would you like me to connect you to a team member?”

4. Audit Conversations Weekly – Just like a security check, spot errors early.

5. Update Constantly – Policies, prices, or hours change? So should your chatbot.

Think of it as teaching your bot good manners—because nobody likes the loudmouth at the dinner table.

Real Business Wins From Playing It Safe

• Law Firm – Added a “never give legal advice” rule. Now the bot only handles intake, saving attorneys 15 hours a week.

• Salon – Securely books appointments without collecting unnecessary info. Reduced no-shows by 20%.

• Contractor – Bot answers “Do you service my area?” instantly, capturing leads after hours they used to lose.

Each one proves: security isn’t a barrier to ROI—it’s the foundation of it.

The ROI of Doing It Right

When your chatbot is both secure and smart, you get:

• Fewer missed opportunities

• Higher lead capture rates

• Lower customer service costs

• Stronger trust and credibility

In other words, the very things that grow your business.

The Bottom Line

Are there risks with custom GPTs? Absolutely. But risks only become reality when chatbots are slapped together without care. With the right rules, restrictions, and training, your chatbot is less of a liability and more of a digital receptionist who never sleeps.

And trust me, your future customers will thank you for that.

Let’s Build Something Safe (and Powerful)

I build AI assistants that protect your business while working 24/7 to capture leads, book appointments, and delight your customers. No leaks, no data mess—just results.

Ready to see how a secure custom chatbot could transform your business? Visit Custom Bot Creations today and let’s make AI work for you.