Avoid Back-to-School Cons & Crooks

It’s back-to-school season, but don’t let the overwhelming feelings make it a back-to-scam season for fraudsters. These crooks con unsuspecting parents and students out of their money, but we can help!

Here are five common back-to-school scams and how to avoid them.

Phony scholarships and grants
- The scam: Students are lured by the promise of guaranteed scholarships or grants in exchange for an upfront fee. After the victim pays up, the scammer disappears and the “scholarship” never materializes.
- How to avoid:
  - Verify legitimacy of the scholarship or grant by researching the organization.
  - Remember that legitimate scholarships and grants do not require payment for application or processing.
  - Check with your school’s financial aid office for guidance on reputable scholarship opportunities.

Fake online retailers
- The scam: Fraudulent websites offer significant discounts on school supplies, electronics or clothing. These sites may look professional, but they’re just clever covers for scammers to steal your money and/or personal info.
- How to avoid:
  - Look up reviews and ratings of the website before making a purchase.
  - Ensure every website and landing page you visit uses secure connections.
  - Only patronize reputable online retailers and look for a physical address listing.

Identity theft via phishing
- The scam: Phishing scams involve fake messages appearing to be from legit sources, like your school. These messages often direct you to malicious websites.
- How to avoid:
  - Always check the sender’s email address and verify it before clicking any links.
  - Never provide personal or financial information by email or text.
  - Report suspicious emails or texts to your school.

Student loan forgiveness scams
- The scam: Scammers offer student loan forgiveness programs that require an upfront fee or promise immediate debt relief, which is often too good to be true.
- How to avoid:
  - Only consider student loan forgiveness programs from the U.S. Department of Education or official channels.
  - Remember that legitimate student loan forgiveness programs do not charge fees for enrollment or processing.
  - Contact your loan servicer directly to verify any offers of loan forgiveness.

Textbook rental scams
- The scam: Fraudulent textbook rental sites offer too-good-to-be-true deals on textbooks that never show up after you’ve paid, leaving you without the book or your money.
- How to avoid:
  - Stick to well-known textbook rental services like Amazon.
  - Carefully read the rental and return policies.
  - Ensure the site has a valid contact address and customer service options.

Stay safe out there!

For more info about fraud prevention, click here.

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