Back-to-School Scams: Staying Safe in August

Cybersecurity: Start the School Year Strong

With students relying on laptops, tablets, and school accounts, cybersecurity matters more than ever. Weak passwords, shared devices, and public Wi-Fi can expose personal and financial information.

Safety tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords for school and personal accounts
• Enable multi-factor authentication when available
• Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi without protection
• Keep devices and software updated

School Supply Shopping Deals That Aren’t Real

Deep discounts on laptops, tablets, or school supplies can be tempting. Scammers create fake websites or ads offering “limited-time” back-to-school deals, collecting payment and personal information without delivering products.

Stick to well-known retailers, double-check website URLs, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

School Social Media Posts and Student Privacy

Sharing first-day-of-school photos is a tradition—but scammers can use details from posts to guess passwords, answer security questions, or impersonate family members.

Consider limiting visible details such as school names, teacher names, grades, or locations. Adjust privacy settings and think about what information a post reveals before sharing.

Job Scams Targeting College Students

College students are prime targets for fake job offers, especially for remote or flexible work. Scammers may pose as employers offering high pay for little effort, then ask for upfront fees or personal information.

Legitimate employers do not require payment to apply or ask for banking details before hiring. Verify job offers through official school career centers or trusted job platforms.

Student Loan and Scholarship Scams

Scammers often promise guaranteed scholarships, loan forgiveness, or special access to financial aid—for a fee. These offers frequently arrive by phone, email, or social media.

Remember: legitimate scholarships do not charge application fees, and government student loan programs do not require payment for assistance. Always verify offers through official education or government websites.

A Smart Start to the School Year

Back-to-school season should be exciting, not stressful. By staying alert online, shopping wisely, and protecting personal information, families and students can avoid common August scams and focus on a successful school year ahead.

A little caution now can make the entire school year safer.