Test your knowledge of back-to-school scams
As the school year begins, watch for these five common scams:
- Online Shopping Scams: Scammers create fake advertisements, coupons, and stores designed to steal your payment information. These scams can be convincing, so always verify any website asking for payment details. Check URLs carefully, look for security stamps, and stick to well-known retailers.
- Shopping in person isn’t always foolproof either. Card skimming devices capture your card information when you swipe, so if given the choice, use your card’s chip technology to tap the point-of-sale terminal and complete your purchase.
- Scholarship Scams: Scammers offer fake scholarships and then demand a fee before releasing the funds. Always verify scholarship offers with trusted sources and never pay to receive a scholarship.
- Student Loan Forgiveness Scams: These scams involve persistent calls from phone centers claiming to offer student loan forgiveness. They may pressure you to act quickly but remember to contact your loan provider directly for legitimate information about forgiveness programs.
- College Test Prep Scams: With standardized tests still a key part of college admissions, scammers target students and parents with fake test preparation offers. Always verify any prep services directly with the company or, better yet, opt for in-person courses from trusted providers.
What to Do If You Fall Victim
- Contact Us: We’re here to help. Call: 1 800 660-3258 or email: [email protected].
- Report scams to the FTC: Your report can help prevent others from being scammed.