News & Stories

July 2024

Watch Out for Back-to-School Scams: Protect Yourself and Your Family

Scammers are adept at exploiting seasonal trends and the back-to-school period is no exception. They know that families are busy, often distracted, and more likely to make quick decisions. These factors make it a prime time for fraudsters to launch their schemes.

Common Back-to-School Scams

1. Fake Online Stores: Scammers set up fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, offering deals on popular school supplies and electronics. These sites often look professional and may even offer incredible discounts to lure in victims. Once you make a purchase, you either receive counterfeit goods or nothing at all.
2. Phishing Emails: Fraudulent emails posing as school administrations or popular retailers can trick you into clicking malicious links or providing personal information. These emails often look convincing and may include logos and language that appear legitimate.
3. Scholarship and Grant Scams: With college costs soaring, many families are on the lookout for financial aid. Scammers exploit this by offering fake scholarships or grants. They often require an application fee or personal information, but the promised funds never materialize.
4. Tech Support Scams: As students prepare their tech for the new school year, scammers pose as tech support agents from well-known companies. They may claim your device has a virus and offer to fix it, only to steal your personal information or install malware.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify Websites: Before making a purchase, verify the legitimacy of the website. Look for contact information, customer reviews, and check the URL for any misspellings or suspicious characters. Use secure payment methods and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
2. Be Cautious with Emails: Always double-check the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. If an email seems suspicious, contact the organization directly using official contact information.
3. Research Scholarships: Legitimate scholarships and grants do not require an upfront fee. Verify any offers with the school’s financial aid office or use trusted scholarship search engines.
4. Secure Your Tech: Install reputable antivirus software and keep your devices updated. If you receive unsolicited tech support calls or messages, do not provide any personal information or remote access to your device.

Teach Your Kids About Scams

It’s important to educate your children about online safety. Teach them to recognize phishing attempts, avoid sharing personal information, and verify the legitimacy of websites and emails. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything suspicious.