Charles Esther
Each school year, scammers launch fake websites offering massive discounts on laptops, tablets, calculators, and other supplies.
These offers seem tempting because they advertise high-value items at drastically reduced prices, but buyers often end up with counterfeit products—or nothing at all.
How These Scams Reach You
Fraudulent ads frequently appear on Instagram, Facebook, or through unsolicited emails and text messages.
Warning signs include overly steep discounts of 50–80%, suspicious website URLs, and demands for cryptocurrency or wire transfers instead of secure payment options.
If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Tech Support Scams Targeting Students
Fraudsters trick students into believing their laptops are infected with viruses, urging them to call a fake helpline or download malicious software.
Pop-ups or urgent messages create pressure to allow remote access or pay for bogus antivirus services.
Students unfamiliar with official school communications are particularly vulnerable during the busy back-to-school period.
Phishing Emails Disguised as Schools
Scammers impersonate school officials, financial aid departments, or student services to steal login credentials or personal data.
Messages may claim urgent password resets, scholarship awards, or account updates.
Even with AI making phishing more convincing, standard scam detection methods—like verifying sender addresses—remain effective.
Fake Job and Internship Offers
Students seeking part-time work are prime targets for fraudulent job listings.
Scammers often request payment for training or send counterfeit checks, instructing students to wire back part of the funds.
Some also recruit “money mules” to transfer illegal funds through student bank accounts—an act that can lead to criminal charges and long-term financial damage.
Scholarship and Grant Fraud
The FTC warns of scams promising guaranteed scholarships or financial aid in exchange for upfront fees.
These offers usually arrive unsolicited and demand payment to “process” applications.
Legitimate scholarships never require fees to apply.
Rental Scams Hit Students Hard
Fraudulent listings for apartments or dorms target students moving to new cities.
Victims often pay deposits for properties that don’t exist or are not actually available.
International students face increased risks because they can’t physically inspect rentals before committing.
Fake Giveaways and Contest Traps
Some back-to-school giveaways are scams designed to steal personal and banking information.
Victims are told they’ve won prizes but must pay a “shipping fee” to claim them—opening the door to account theft.
Legitimate contests clearly outline rules, prize details, and data usage policies.
