Protect Yourself From 7 Back-to-School Scams

Certain seasons will cause a spike in fraudulent activity that coordinates with societal activities. As the new school year approaches, it is essential to be watchful of scams that target students and their parents. Do not get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of being a parent of students that you miss the red flags from fraudsters. Check out the list below to discover which scams become more prevalent during this time of year and how to protect yourself from them.

1. Phishing Emails: Scammers send emails that appear to be from legitimate sources to steal personal information or infect devices with malware.

 Tips to Avoid:

• Always double-check the email address or phone number before clicking on any links or providing personal information.
• Be skeptical of emails or texts that create a sense of urgency or contain spelling and grammatical errors.
• Use multi-factor authentication on your accounts whenever possible.

2. Financial Aid/Scholarship Scams: Fraudulent entities pretend to be financial aid advisors, promising assistance with aid applications or offering scholarships or grants in exchange for fees or personal information.

Tips to Avoid:

• Research any scholarship or grant offer thoroughly. Look for reviews, confirm the website, and consult your school’s financial aid office.
• Be cautious of scholarships or grants that seem overly broad and not targeted to a specific field of study or demographic.
• Only provide personal information on secure websites and when you know you are dealing with a legitimate entity.
• Never pay to apply for a scholarship or grant. Legitimate scholarships and grants, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), do not require fees. Visit the FSU Credit Union Youth Financial Fitness page for more information about applying for financial aid.

3. Fake Online Stores: Fake websites sell school supplies, electronics, or other items at low prices but never deliver the products and often steal payment information.

 Tips to Avoid:

• Check for credibility by looking for clear contact information on the website, a physical address, and customer reviews.
• Only use secure payment methods, like a credit card or PayPal. If a website only accepts payment through unconventional methods, like gift cards or money transfers, it is a red flag.
• Be cautious of exceptionally low prices. Scammers lure customers with prices that are considerably less than those of reputable retailers.

4. Tech Support Scams: Scammers pose as tech support representatives, claiming that a computer is infected with viruses, and demand payment for unnecessary or fake services.

 Tips to Avoid:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited contacts. Any unexpected calls, emails, or pop-up messages claiming your computer has a virus are likely scams.
• Avoid giving control of your computer to someone you do not know, especially if they contacted you first. Scammers use this to steal information, install malware, or demand payment for fake services.
• If you think there might be a legitimate issue with your device, contact the company’s official support directly using a trusted method (such as the official website or a phone number from a recent bill).

5. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams: Scammers offer false promises of loan forgiveness or reduced payments in exchange for upfront fees or personal information.

Tips to Avoid:

• Be skeptical of any unsolicited offer that seems too good to be true.
• Verify the legitimacy of any loan forgiveness program by checking with the S. Department of Education or your loan servicer directly.
• Never share your personal or financial information with a company that contacts you out of the blue.

6. Rental Scams: Fraudsters create fake rental listings for student housing, asking for deposits or personal information before showing properties that do not exist.

 Tips to Avoid:

• Never wire money or send funds via money transfer services to secure a rental.
• Visit the property in person before signing a lease or making a payment.
• Research the landlord or rental company online to ensure they are legitimate.

7. Textbook Scams: Fraudulent sellers offer textbooks at discounted prices, taking payment but never delivering the books.

Tips to Avoid:

• Stick to reputable retailers when purchasing school supplies and textbooks.
• When shopping on a lesser-known website, check for reviews, contact information, and a physical address.
• Verify the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) to confirm you get the right version. Scammers may list incorrect editions that are not useful.

Reporting

 If you or someone you know becomes a target of a back-to-school scam, it is imperative to act quickly. Below is a list of places to report these scams:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC handles consumer complaints about various scams, including phishing, identity theft, and deceptive business practices. You can file a complaint online at ftc.gov/complaint or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Run by the FBI, the IC3 is a central place to report internet-related crimes, including phishing and online shopping scams. Visit ic3.gov to file a report.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB accepts reports about scams involving businesses, such as fake online stores or scholarship programs. File a complaint at bbb.org/scamtracker.
• Local Law Enforcement: If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact your local police department. They can take a report and may be able to offer additional resources.

Scammers constantly evolve their methods, but staying informed and cautious is your best defense. Remember, if an offer or request seems too good to be true, it likely is. Take a moment to pause, evaluate the situation, and make informed choices. It is crucial to prioritize the security of your personal information and financial security, especially when the risk of fraud is higher. Educate your family and stay vigilant so you can face this busy season with confidence and peace of mind.