Back-to-school season means back-to-school cyber scams
Getting ready for or already started shopping for school supplies? Coordinating scholarships and tuition payments? As we gear up for back to school, don’t let excitement or anxiety override your cyber know-how. Read on for tips to stay safe this back-to-school season.
Shopping for school supplies can be stressful and costly. No matter what’s on your list, you’re up against local supply shortages and searching for the best deal. Bad actors know this and try to fool us with fraudulent ads or emails, amazing deals, and fake websites. Use these tips to add cyber-safety to your back-to-school checklist:
- Shop with familiar online retailers. Go straight to their official website by typing their URL into your browser to avoid fake websites set up by scammers.
- Be wary of emails or websites that advertise deals that seem too good to be true.
- Finish your shopping early to avoid supply shortages. Scammers take advantage of people rushing for last-minute items.
This is also the time of year for paying tuition costs. Bad actors know we are on the lookout for billing statements and scholarship opportunities. Be wary of unexpected phone calls or suspicious-looking emails related to these topics. These scams provoke a sense of urgency and take advantage of our emotional states. Use the following tips to keep your money and personal information safe:
- Click with Caution when you receive unexpected emails. Never click on links or open attachments from unfamiliar senders.
- Be wary of phone calls from unknown numbers. Call the institutions when in doubt.
- Reach out directly to your school for billing obligations and financial aid offers.
- Research scholarship and grant offers you receive to prove their legitimacy.
For more tips to help build your cyber muscle, check out cybersecurity.yale.edu/awareness. Be sure to keep an eye on our News & Events page for ways to get involved and chances to win exclusive cybersecurity swag!