Back-to-School Scams Targeting Students: How to Stay Safe
As students gear up for the back-to-school season, security experts warn of a rise in education-related scams targeting young people. Despite being tech-savvy, students can still fall victim to various schemes, making it crucial to stay vigilant against potential threats. The Federal Communications Commission has issued a warning to students and parents to be cautious when sharing personal information. Here are some common back-to-school scams to watch out for.
Textbook Shopping Scam
While looking for deals on school supplies like textbooks and laptops, students should be wary of fake online stores offering discounted prices. Some scammers create fake websites that mimic legitimate school stores, tricking students into making purchases for products that may never arrive. It’s essential to verify the authenticity of a website before making any purchases and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Darius Kingsley from JPMorgan’s consumer business highlighted the prevalence of textbook scams, where sellers request payment through unsecured platforms like Venmo. Students should exercise caution when making online purchases and avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown entities.
Scholarship Scam
Cybercriminals often target students by pretending to offer scholarships or student loans, aiming to steal personal and financial information. With the rise of fake loan companies, students should be cautious when sharing sensitive data and be mindful of the potential risks associated with identity theft.
Young people tend to underestimate the value of their personal information, making them easy targets for scammers. It’s essential to be cautious when providing personal details, especially when dealing with unfamiliar entities claiming to offer financial assistance.
Technical Support Scam
Another common scam to watch out for is the tech support scam, where scammers impersonate school technicians to gain access to students’ personal devices. Students should never give remote access to their computers or share login credentials with unknown individuals claiming to provide technical support.
It’s crucial to prioritize online security and be cautious when granting access to personal devices or information. By remaining vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited tech support offers, students can protect themselves from falling victim to tech-related scams.
