As students prepare for the new school year, security experts are warning about a surge in education-related scams. While students are often tech-savvy, they can still fall victim to these scams, just like more vulnerable populations. With the back-to-school season upon us, it’s crucial to be aware of these scams and how to avoid them.

Common Back-to-School Scams

1. Textbook Shopping Scams

With textbooks and school supplies costing a significant amount, many students and parents search for bargains online. Unfortunately, this quest for deals often leads to scams. Fraudulent websites may offer textbooks at unusually low prices or fake stores imitating legitimate ones. These scams can result in students receiving outdated or incorrect books, or even losing their money with no product delivered.

Darius Kingsley, head of consumer business practices at JPMorgan Chase, warns about these deceptive practices. “It’s eye-watering how expensive textbooks are,” he said, highlighting how scammers exploit this high demand. When encountering deals that seem too good to be true, verify the website’s authenticity and avoid sellers requesting payments through cash transfer apps like Venmo, which are often red flags for scams.

2. Scholarship and Loan Scams

Scholarship and student loan scams are prevalent as cybercriminals pose as legitimate lenders or educational institutions. They might offer loans or scholarships that don’t exist, aiming to steal personal and financial information. Kingsley points out the importance of scrutinizing any unsolicited offers and advises against sharing sensitive information with unknown entities. Students should be particularly cautious about their data, as it can be used maliciously if it falls into the wrong hands.

This generation, accustomed to sharing personal information online, may not fully grasp the risks. Kingsley notes that stolen identities can have long-term impacts, including damaged credit scores that affect future opportunities such as job applications and renting apartments.

3. Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams are another threat where fraudsters impersonate school IT staff, claiming they need to install or update software. They may prompt students to click on links or provide remote access to their devices. Kingsley advises against granting any remote access or sharing login credentials with anyone claiming to be tech support. Ensuring your tech support interactions are with verified personnel can help prevent these scams.

4. Fake Job Offers

New job seekers, including students, are particularly vulnerable to job offer scams. Scammers posing as recruiters often make unrealistic job offers and request personal information that’s not typically required in legitimate job applications. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reports a significant increase in job scams, with fraudsters frequently reaching out via text messages.

ITRC CEO Eva Velasquez recommends researching job offers thoroughly. Verify the legitimacy of any company offering employment, by checking their website and third-party reviews. Be skeptical of offers promising high pay for minimal tasks, as they are often designed to exploit emotional responses rather than provide genuine employment opportunities.

Protecting Yourself

In summary, as students gear up for the school year, vigilance is key. Whether shopping for textbooks, applying for scholarships, seeking tech support, or exploring job opportunities, staying informed about common scams can help protect personal information and avoid financial loss. Always verify the legitimacy of offers and requests for sensitive information to ensure a safe and successful school year.