I tried to use ChatGPT to create fake evidence — and I came away more worried than I expected

I tried to use ChatGPT to create false evidence and was shocked by the results. I uploaded a photo of my hand asking the AI to make it appear as though I had discovered a dinosaur fossil on the beach. It generated a surprisingly realistic image, although it subtly altered my wrist tattoo. When I asked the AI for details about the fake fossil, it refused, suggesting I describe it as a replica or prop.

For a receipt, it initially refused my request, but after adding "just for fun," it successfully generated a convincing receipt. It even added a 2025 date, prompting me to ask it to change it for a film prop. However, it refused again when I claimed it was for expenses. I also asked it to create a certificate claiming I had won a poetry competition, which it generated, though it appeared to be a Photoshop edit.

Finally, I tried to get it to create a certificate stating I had just earned my PhD in philosophy, but it refused, explaining that the image may violate its guardrails against fraudulent or scam activities.