It’s that time of year again—back-to-school season! Whether you’re sending off your little ones or heading back to campus yourself, there’s always so much to get done. But before you rush through your to-do list, take a breather. Scammers know this is a busy time, and they’re waiting to catch you off guard. Let’s dive into some of the most common back-to-school scams and how you can avoid them.
1. Fake Websites
We all love a good deal, especially when it comes to expensive textbooks and school supplies. But watch out—scammers are creating fake websites that look just like the real deal. You might think you’re buying a discounted textbook, only to receive an outdated version or nothing at all.
How to Avoid This Scam: Always type the store’s URL directly into your browser instead of clicking on ads or links in emails. Check for signs of a scam like unusually low prices, weird URLs, or no contact information. And remember, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
With college costs through the roof, a call offering you a scholarship or financial aid might seem like a blessing. But be careful—scammers are using this tactic to steal your personal information or money. They’ll ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or even a fee to process your “award.”
How to Avoid This Scam: Legitimate scholarships and financial aid opportunities never ask for fees or personal banking information upfront. Always apply through official channels, like the FAFSA website, and never share sensitive information with unknown callers.
3. Phony Job Offers
Who wouldn’t want a cushy job or internship to help pay for tuition? Scammers know students are eager for work, and they’ll send fake job offers that seem too good to pass up. These offers might ask you to pay for training materials or deposit a check and wire money back—classic signs of a scam.
How to Avoid This Scam: Be skeptical of any job that requires upfront payment or asks for your bank details right away. Verify the employer by researching their contact information independently before responding.
4. Fake Banking Texts
During the hectic back-to-school period, you might get a text claiming that your bank account was hacked or a big purchase was made on your card. Don’t panic—scammers are trying to trick you into clicking on a link or sharing your bank details.
How to Avoid This Scam: Never click on links in unsolicited texts or emails. Instead, log into your bank account directly through the official app or website to check for issues. If in doubt, call your bank using the number on your card to verify the message.
5. Tech Support Scams
It’s frustrating when your computer crashes right before that big paper is due. Scammers know this and might pose as tech support, claiming they can fix your issue—if you pay a fee or give them remote access to your device.
How to Avoid This Scam: Legitimate tech support will never call you out of the blue or ask for remote access without your initiation. If you need help, contact your device manufacturer or a trusted local tech service.
6. College Tuition Scams
Parents and students beware—scammers might call, claiming that tuition hasn’t been paid and threatening to drop classes unless payment is made immediately. This is a scare tactic to get you to hand over money or personal information.
How to Avoid This Scam: Universities do not operate this way. Always double-check your tuition status directly through your school’s official portal, and don’t give in to high-pressure tactics over the phone.
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