Cybercriminals leverage every opportunity to trick us. Be in the know about this season's cyber scams.
Back-to-school shopping scams
Heading back to school often means buying books, school supplies, and new clothes. While it brings anticipation and excitement, it can also cost us more than we expect. Cybercriminals are waiting for busy, multi-tasking consumers to trip up.
During this time, cybercriminals use many tactics to try to steal our money or identity. Here are several suggestions to stay two steps ahead of the bad guys:
- Be aware of "clickbait" ads. Ever notice that something you searched for appears later on another website when shopping online? Scammers may entice you to click the link that goes to a fake website, not the reputable company you expect. Go directly to the company's website instead.
- Always use a credit card for your online purchases. They offer the greatest protection should you be a victim of credit card fraud. Avoid using debit cards and payment apps like Venmo or Zelle.
- Confirm emails from trusted stores are valid. Scammers may send fake emails that use company logos, such as Target and Walmart. They can link to fake websites that steal your money but don't deliver the goods.
- Read the refund and return policies. Dishonest sellers may trick you and deny your request based on the fine print in disclosures.
The truth is, phishing - or the use of malicious emails that appear legitimate - is the number one way people get in trouble online. Our fast-paced lives exacerbate the problem.
Whenever possible, pause and assess the situation. Is there anything that seems odd about the email? Are you being pressured to act with urgency? Does the deal seem too good to be true? Exercising caution can help steer clear of problems.
Be on the lookout for other school-related scams, as well.
It's not just shopping, be on the lookout for other back-to-school scams including:
- Homework helper scams - People may pose as tutors and deliver an assignment. Once you pay, they may demand more money. Refuse to pay and the criminal may turn on you. They may go as far as to send threatening emails or text messages accusing you of plagiarism.
- Tuition scams - Cybercriminals may pose as officials from your college. They may attempt to collect tuition or other fees. The scammer may assert the student can't return to school until the fee has been paid. They may also use bounced checks or declined credit cards as reasons.
- Gift card scams - This is a tried and true scam for cybercriminals. Beware of emails that appear to come from someone in authority like a dean or manager. Check out Paige's real-life story about gift card scams so you can steer clear of this situation.
- Scholarship scams - Some scammers promise guaranteed approval for a scholarship or grant. The catch? You have to pay a hefty fee to receive it but never do. Criminals may also tempt students to pay a fee to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).