Beware of Back-to-School Scams: Protecting Students in the Digital Age

As the new school year approaches, students and parents alike are gearing up for a fresh start. However, this period of excitement and preparation also brings an increased risk of falling victim to scams.

Security experts have noted a significant rise in fraudulent activities targeting students, particularly those who are less experienced in identifying such threats. Here are some red flags to watch out for and tips to keep yourself safe.

Common Back-to-School Scams

1.

Fake Scholarships and Grants: Scammers often lure students with promises of easy money through fake scholarships or grants. These fraudulent schemes typically require an “application fee” or personal information, like Social Security numbers, which can lead to financial losses or identity theft.

2. Phishing Emails: Emails that appear to be from educational institutions, offering exclusive deals on supplies or requesting verification of student information, are often phishing attempts. These emails may contain links that lead to malicious websites designed to steal your personal information.

3. Discount Textbook Scams: With the high cost of textbooks, students are always on the lookout for cheaper alternatives. Scammers exploit this need by creating fake websites offering unbelievable discounts. Once the payment is made, students either receive nothing or counterfeit copies.

4. Tech Support Scams: As students increasingly rely on technology for their studies, tech support scams have become more prevalent. Scammers pose as legitimate tech support agents, claiming your device is infected with malware, and then charge exorbitant fees to “fix” non-existent problems.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

– Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of any unsolicited emails, texts, or calls offering scholarships, grants, or discounts, especially if they require upfront fees or personal information.

– Too Good to Be True: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

This includes extremely low prices on textbooks and electronics.

– Urgency and Pressure: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions. If someone is rushing you to act immediately, take a step back and verify the offer.

– Unsecure Websites: Before making any online purchases, ensure the website is secure. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar.

How to Protect Yourself

– Verify Sources: Always verify the legitimacy of any offer by contacting the organization directly using official contact information, not the details provided in the unsolicited message.

– Use Official Channels: When in doubt, use official channels to apply for scholarships, grants, or purchase textbooks. Most educational institutions have recommended lists of resources.

– Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams targeting students by following reputable security blogs and websites. Resources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offer valuable information on how to spot and report scams.

– Install Security Software: Ensure your devices are protected with updated security software. This can help detect and block phishing attempts and other malicious activities.

For more detailed information on how to protect yourself from scams, you can visit the FTC Consumer Information Page.

As we navigate this back-to-school season, staying vigilant and informed is key to safeguarding yourselves against the growing number of scams. By recognizing red flags and adopting safe online practices, students can focus on their education without falling prey to deceitful schemes.