Back To School Scams and How to Avoid Them

It’s back-to-school season! You might have a shopping list as long as your Amazon wishlist, but don’t let the overwhelm make it a back-to-scam season for fraudsters. These crooks con unsuspecting parents and students out of their money, but we can help! Here are five common back-to-school scams and how to avoid them. 

1. Phony scholarships and grants

The scam: Students are lured by the promise of guaranteed scholarships or grants in exchange for an upfront fee. After the victim pays up, the scammer disappears and the “scholarship” never materializes. 

How to avoid: 

• Verify legitimacy of the scholarship or grant by researching the organization.
• Remember that legitimate scholarships and grants do not require payment for application or processing.
• Check with your school’s financial aid office for guidance on reputable scholarship opportunities.

2. Fake online retailers

The scam: Fraudulent websites offer significant discounts on school supplies, electronics or clothing. These sites may look professional, but they’re just clever covers for scammers to steal your money and/or personal info.

How to avoid:

• Look up reviews and ratings of the website before making a purchase.
• Ensure every website and landing page you visit uses secure connections.
• Only patronize reputable online retailers and look for a physical address listing.

3. Identity theft via phishing

The scam: Phishing scams involve fake messages appearing to be from legit sources, like your school. These messages often direct you to malicious websites. 

How to avoid:

• Always check the sender’s email address and verify it before clicking any links.
• Never provide personal or financial information by email or text.
• Report suspicious emails or texts to your school.

4. Student loan forgiveness scams

The scam: Scammers offer student loan forgiveness programs that require an upfront fee or promise immediate debt relief, which is often too good to be true.

How to avoid:

• Only consider student loan forgiveness programs from the U.S. Department of Education or official channels.
• Remember that legitimate student loan forgiveness programs do not charge fees for enrollment or processing.
• Contact your loan servicer directly to verify any offers of loan forgiveness.

5. Textbook rental scams

The scam: Fraudulent textbook rental sites offer too-good-to-be-true deals on textbooks that never show up after you’ve paid, leaving you without the book or your money.

How to avoid:

• Stick to well-known textbook rental services like Amazon.
• Carefully read the rental and return policies.
• Ensure the site has a valid contact address and customer service options.

Stay safe!

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