Don't Get Schooled by Scammers: Your Back-to-School Scam Survival Guide!

Getting your kids ready to go back to school can be stressful, whether it is sending them off to kindergarten or moving them into a dorm. While parents and students are busy preparing for a successful academic year, scammers are also hard at work, looking to capitalize on the busy, often financially stretched, time.

Don't let fraudsters turn your back-to-school joy into a nightmare. Here's a rundown of common back-to-school scams and how you can stay safe:

1. The "Too Good to Be True" Online Deals: That brand-new laptop for 75% off? Designer backpack at an unbelievable discount? If it seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

How it works: Scammers create fake websites or social media ads mimicking legitimate retailers, luring you in with incredible (and nonexistent) deals. You might pay for an item that never arrives, or worse, your payment information is stolen.

Stay Savvy:

• Shop reputable sites: Stick to well-known retailers by typing their URL directly into your browser. Avoid clicking on suspicious links from emails or social media.
• Check the URL: Look for subtle misspellings or altered domain names (e.g., .net instead of .com).
• Secure Payment Methods: Use credit cards for online purchases, as they offer more fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers.
• Read Reviews: Research unfamiliar websites and look for customer reviews and ratings.

2. Phishing for Personal Information: The "school administrator" emails you about an "unpaid tuition" or a "problem with your enrollment," demanding immediate action.

How it works: Phishing emails and texts are designed to look legitimate, often using official-looking logos and urgent language. They aim to trick you into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords.

Stay Savvy:

• Verify the sender: Always double-check the sender's email address. Hover over links before clicking to see the true destination.
• Be wary of urgency: Legitimate institutions rarely demand immediate payment or threaten dire consequences without prior communication.
• Contact directly: If you receive a suspicious message about tuition or financial aid, contact your school's official financial aid office or administration using a verified phone number or website – not the one provided in the suspicious message.

3. Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams: Offers of "guaranteed scholarships" or "exclusive grants" for a small upfront fee.

How it works: Scammers exploit the pressure of college costs by promising to connect you with scholarships or help with financial aid applications, but only after you pay a fee or provide your personal information. They might also promise immediate loan forgiveness for an upfront cost.

Stay Savvy:

• Free is key: Legitimate scholarships and federal financial aid (like FAFSA) never require an application fee.
• No guarantees: No one can guarantee you a scholarship or grant.
• Protect your FSA ID: Never share your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID username and password with anyone.
• Research: Thoroughly research any scholarship or financial aid offer. Consult your school's financial aid office for guidance.

4. Fake Tech Support & Device Scams: op-up messages or unsolicited calls claiming your student's new device has a virus or needs "urgent" tech support.

How it works: As students get new devices for school, scammers pose as tech support from well-known companies. They aim to gain remote access to your device, install malware, steal your information, or charge you for unnecessary "repairs."

Stay Savvy:

• Unsolicited contact is a red flag: Legitimate tech support won't call or send pop-ups out of the blue.
• Go to the source: If you suspect an issue, contact the device or software manufacturer directly through their official website or verified contact information.
• Never give remote access: Do not allow anyone remote access to your computer unless you initiated the contact and are certain of their legitimacy.

5. Social Media Giveaways and "Freebies": Ads on social media promising free school supplies or shopping sprees that are too good to be true.

How it works: These scams often ask you to click a link, provide your email, or share personal information to "claim your prize." In reality, they're collecting your data for spam, phishing, or even identity theft, and you'll never see a prize.

Stay Savvy:

• Skepticism is your friend: If you didn't enter a contest, you didn't win one.
• Check the source: Be cautious of posts from unfamiliar accounts or those with very few followers.
• Never pay a "processing fee" for a prize.

6. Job Scams

How it works: Job scams are deceptive schemes designed to trick individuals seeking employment into giving away money, personal information, or even participating in illegal activities, all under the guise of a legitimate job offer. They prey on the urgency, hope, and often limited experience of job seekers.

Stay Savvy:

• Verify Everything: Independently research the company and job posting; don't trust links in suspicious emails.
• Never Pay to Work: Legitimate employers will never ask you for money (for training, equipment, background checks, or "overpayments").
• Guard Your Info: Don't share SSN, bank details, or ID copies until officially hired by a confirmed legitimate employer.

7. First Day of School Picture Fraud

How it works: First day of school picture fraud" isn't a direct scam, but a significant privacy risk. Over-sharing details in photos can lead to identity theft, child abduction/grooming via social engineering, digital kidnapping/impersonation, and even sextortion/deepfakes.

Stay Savvy:

• Limit Identifying Details: Avoid signs with names, ages, grades, teacher names, or school names. Ensure backgrounds don't reveal addresses or specific locations.
• Optimize Privacy Settings: Keep social media accounts private, disable geotagging on photos, and discuss privacy preferences with family.
• Think Before You Post: Consider if any detail could be misused. Crop or blur sensitive information and use private sharing methods for family milestones.

The Golden Rule: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is.

The back-to-school season should be about learning and growth, not By staying informed and practicing healthy skepticism, you can protect yourself and your family from these common scams.

What to do if you suspect a scam:

• Stop all communication.
• Do not click on links or download attachments.
• Report it! Your report can help protect others.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB): BBB.org/scamtracker
  • Your Bank/Financial Institution: If money was sent or information compromised.
  • Local Law Enforcement.

Stay safe and have a fantastic school year!