As students prepare for the back-to-school season, security experts warn about an increase in education-related scams targeting young individuals. Despite their tech-savvy nature, students may still fall victim to scams, just like senior citizens, according to experts from JPMorgan Chase. The Federal Communications Commission has issued an alert urging caution when asked for personal information. Some common back-to-school scams to watch out for include textbook shopping scams, scholarship scams, and tech support scams.
Textbook shopping scams target students looking for deals on school supplies, including textbooks and laptops. Fake online stores may offer discounts on school supplies and textbooks, but they could be scams. Scammers often mimic authentic school stores by copying logos and other imagery. Students should be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true and check the authenticity of the store’s web address. Payment through cash transfer apps could also be a red flag for potential scams.
Scholarship scams also pose a risk to students as cybercriminals target them to steal personal and financial information. Some scammers pretend to be banks or government agencies offering student loans. Students should be wary of sharing sensitive data with unknown entities. Personal information like names, photos, and Social Security numbers can be valuable to fraudsters. Sharing personally identifiable information, including bank account and debit/credit card numbers, over the phone is strongly discouraged by the FCC.
Tech support scams involve fraudsters posing as school computer technicians who claim to need access to a student’s device to install educational software. Students should never grant remote access to their computers or share login credentials. Fake job offers are another scam to watch out for, with incidents of job scams increasing significantly. Scammers may pose as recruiters and ask for sensitive information like bank account numbers. Students should research the company and verify the job offer before engaging with potential scammers.
Young graduates and students can face significant challenges if their personal information falls into the wrong hands. While they may not have substantial funds to steal, the value of their digital identities cannot be understated. It’s crucial for students to protect their personal information and be cautious when sharing any sensitive data. By being aware of common back-to-school scams and practicing safe online habits, students can reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudsters. It’s essential to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard personal information in today’s digital age.
