Watch for scams targeting college students ahead of new semester
By Britta Clark
With tuition payments, financial aid applications, and school supplies, students spend a lot of money on going back to colleges or universities. However, scammers take on this opportunity to sway students who are looking for better ways to manage their money. Whether you’re starting school yourself or have kids who are vulnerable to such scams, the Better Business Bureau suggests that students watch out for these financial scams targeting college students before heading into the new semester.
Fake credit cards
It’s not a secret that deals that appear to be a quick and easy way to spend money are offered to college students to get them to apply for their first credit cards. On top of the fact that this could potentially stir up a credit problem, some of the deals could be fake gimmicks to get access to students’ personal information. Do your research on those credit card flyers, emails, promotions, and mailers before applying.
Too-good-to-be-true apartments
It’s hard to not jump on a convenient apartment so close to campus, especially if it advertises affordable rent. It’s tempting to hand over credit card information online to lock in a great spot, but it’s always worth seeing the apartment in person prior to a money transfer. This also applies to Craigslist listings by other students looking for roommates.
Safe credit reports
After the age of 18, it’s a good idea to start becoming more aware of your credit score and start adapting some healthy money habits. It’s also a helpful signifier of any unusual activity and possible ID fraud. While there are multiple traps online trying to snag your Social Security number with a fake credit score scam, safely check your credit score at annualcreditreport.com.
Scholarship and grant scams
Phone calls from companies guaranteeing they can help reduce loan payments or set you up with a hefty grant are worth researching. Even searching the company online could bring up scam alerts from other victims. Contact the school’s financial aid office for advice on the company’s legitimacy or how they can help otherwise. Scholarship scams can affect college students even after graduation.
Employment scams
In 2018, employment scams were the No. 1 culprit for scams attacking 18–25 year olds. Job offers can be sent directly to school emails, promising flexible hours and a beyond-expected pay. There would be no need to send a Social Security number electronically without knowing exactly who you are sending it to.
Awareness of current scams
As tech-savvy as current college students can be, a surprising number of scams reported to BBB’s ScamTracker are from students who learned their lesson too late. Use BBB’s ScamTracker to learn of the latest scam trends and read local reports of specific incidents.
According to 2018’s BBB’s ScamTracker Risk Report, 41.6 percent of students reported a loss when exposed to a scam as compared to 28.3 percent of non-students. Students who are freshly exposed to managing their own finances are online looking for ways to save. It is important to be aware of scammers looking to take advantage of others. Contact BBB Serving Northern Nevada and Utah at (800) 456-3907 if you are unsure of something that could possibly be a scam.
