As the end of summer nears, the back-to-school season brings a wave of excitement for students and parents alike. It’s a time filled with anticipation, whether it’s the thrill of new classes, the purchase of fresh supplies, or the start of new activities. However, this season also has a less pleasant reality: scammers ready to exploit the rush and eagerness of back-to-school preparations. As online shopping surges, so does the number of scams, each one more convincing than the last. Here are five back-to-school scams to watch out for this year, along with tips on how to protect yourself and your family.
1 Fake Deals on Popular Items
Who doesn’t love a good deal, especially when preparing for the new school year? Scammers know this all too well, which is why they often lure unsuspecting shoppers with phony deals on high-demand items like the latest MacBook, iPad, or Air Jordan sneakers. These offers are usually too good to be true.
You might stumble upon these deals on social media, in your inbox, or through pop-up online ads. The prices are shockingly low, but once you’ve paid, the item never arrives, or you receive a cheap knockoff. By the time you realize what’s happened, the scammers have disappeared with your money and left you scrambling to replace essential items.
Steps to Avoid Being Duped by Fake Deals:
- Research the Deal: If you see a deal that seems too good to be true, take a moment to research it. Check the seller’s reputation, read reviews, and compare prices from other retailers.
- Avoid Clicking on Ads: Instead of clicking on an ad, go directly to the retailer’s official website to verify the deal.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Always use payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards. This ensures that even if you do fall victim to a scam, you have a safety net to fall back on.
2 Phishing Emails Disguised as School Communications
Phishing scams are a year-round threat, but during the back-to-school season, they often take the form of fake emails from schools or educational institutions. These emails might claim to be from your child’s school, offering important information about the new school year, such as class schedules, supply lists, or even health guidelines. They may contain a link or attachment that, when clicked, installs malware on your device or directs you to a fake website designed to steal your personal information.
The emails can be compelling, using the school’s logo and official-sounding language. However, if you look closely, the telltale signs of a phishing attempt are usually present.
Steps to Avoid Falling for Phishing Scams:
- Scrutinize the Email: Look for signs of a scam, such as typos, generic greetings, or slight changes in the sender’s email address.
- Don’t Click on Links or Attachments: If you receive an unexpected email, don’t click on any links or attachments. Instead, contact the school directly through official channels to verify the information.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Protect your email account with two-factor authentication, a security feature that requires you to provide two forms of identification before you can access your account. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it harder for hackers to gain access to your account.
3 Copycat Websites Offering School Supplies, Electronics & Back to School Clothing
As parents rush to buy school supplies, many turn to online retailers for convenience. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of this by creating copycat websites that look like well-known retailers. These sites often advertise significant discounts on popular items, hoping to trick shoppers into entering their credit card information.
Once you’ve made a purchase, the scammers may steal your payment details, send you subpar or counterfeit goods, or simply take your money without sending anything at all. These sites are often promoted through social media ads or phishing emails, making them even harder to distinguish from legitimate retailers.
Don’t Fall for a Copycat Website:
- Check the URL: Double-check the website’s URL before making a purchase. Scammers often use slightly altered versions of legitimate URLs, such as changing one letter or “.com” to “.net.”
- Look for Contact Information: A legitimate website will have clear contact information, including a physical address and phone number. If this information is lacking or seems suspicious, it’s a red flag.
- Check the Website for Poor Grammar or Spelling Errors
- Use Google’s Safe Browsing Site Status to Help Detect an Unsafe Site
- Use a Credit Card: Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards. If something goes wrong, you’re more likely to get your money back.
Don’t Get Taken by Back-To-School Scams
The back-to-school season should be a time of excitement and preparation, not stress and financial loss. By following these tips, you can ensure that your back-to-school shopping experience is safe and successful.
Stay up to date with scam alerts by reading our blog. Learn how to “Protect your Wallet from Fake Debt Collector Scams.”