The new school year is now in session, and students and teachers alike are back to work. But unfortunately, so are the scammers.
Back-to-school season is prime time for phishing scams, targeting students and families with fraudulent offers and phishing schemes. At Morgan & Morgan, we want to help you and your family stay protected and keep your personal information private by being aware and cautious of the tricks and tactics of these back-to-school scams.
Fake Scholarships or Student Loans
If you’ve been offered a scholarship or loan that you didn’t request, it could seem too good to be true. More often than not, it is. These bogus offers can request sensitive information from you, such as Social Security numbers or bank details. Make sure you recognize the sender or business before ever giving out this kind of information. Hint: Bank of America does not use Yahoo email accounts.
Phishing Emails
“Phishing” is a type of cyberattack that uses fraudulent messages to trick people into giving away sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, bank account information, or other important data, to use or sell the stolen information.
Emails that appear to be from schools or educational services may ask you to click links or provide details for enrollment or financial aid. Always double-check the legitimacy of the sender before taking any action.
School Supply Scams
Your kids will require lots of gear to make the grade—but don’t be swindled by bargains from unreputable sources. Once that credit card information is entered, it’s too late. Stick to retailers and stores you know and trust.
Fraudulent Learning Platforms
Fake online classes can collect registration fees and personal data, but the only thing you’ll learn is to never do that again. Research any online learning platform thoroughly before signing up.
How Can I Protect My Family From Back-to-School Scams?
To avoid these dangerous scams and cunning scammers, always verify the source of any unsolicited emails, offers, and websites. Does the email address make sense? Is it from the correct domain? For websites, you can try searching for the website name along with “scam” and see what other people have said about it.
Phishing emails and texts can be tricky to spot because they often look legitimate. Here are some other red flags to watch for:
- Suspicious Links: Hover over any links to see where they actually lead. If the URL looks strange or doesn’t match the official site, it’s a scam.
- Urgent Language: Scammers often use scare tactics like “URGENT” or “ACT NOW” to pressure you into clicking on a link or providing information.
- Unknown Senders: Be wary of messages from senders you don’t recognize, especially if they’re asking for personal details or payment.
- Poor Grammar and Spelling: Legitimate organizations usually proofread their communications. If the message has typos or awkward language, it’s a sign it could be a scam.
Most importantly, do a little schooling yourself—educate your kids on the common tricks and scams they can encounter online and the risks of sharing personal information. Make sure they understand how to check for and detect fraudulent claims.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Scammed?
If you think you’ve already been swindled, act quickly. Freeze any accounts or payment cards associated with the transaction. Continue to monitor your accounts and credit to ensure they haven’t been compromised. You should also change passwords, strengthen them to implement multi-factor authentication, and even change your security questions.
If you've been targeted by a scam or want to strengthen your privacy protections, Morgan & Morgan’s data privacy attorneys can help. You can contact us anytime for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.