Beware of targeted scams - Essential advice for college students this Fall

Alexandru_BD

As the fall semester begins, college students are returning to campuses across the country. With the excitement of a new academic year comes the unfortunate reality that scammers are also gearing up to target students. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued warnings about the rise in scams specifically aimed at college students. Understanding these threats and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial.

Common Scams Targeting College Students

1. Fake Scholarships and Grants
   
   • Scammers often lure students with promises of easy scholarships or grants. They ask for personal information or an upfront fee, only to disappear once they have your money.
   • Tip: Always verify the legitimacy of scholarship offers through official websites or by contacting your school's financial aid office. Genuine scholarships will not require an application fee.
     
2. Rental Scams
   
   • As students search for housing, fake rental listings become more common. Scammers advertise attractive rental properties, but once a deposit is paid, the listing vanishes.
   • Tip: Never send money without seeing the property in person. Verify the landlord’s identity and use secure payment methods. If something feels off, trust your instincts and walk away.
     
3. Employment Scams
   
   • Job offers that seem too good to be true usually are. Scammers pose as employers, offering high-paying jobs with minimal effort. They may ask for personal information or upfront payments for training materials.
   • Tip: Research any company offering you a job. Legitimate employers will not ask for sensitive information or money upfront. Be wary of jobs that require you to purchase equipment or send money before starting.
     
4. Phishing Emails
   
   • Phishing attempts often increase at the start of the semester, with scammers posing as school officials or financial institutions. These emails may ask for login credentials or financial details.
   • Tip: Always verify the sender’s email address. Never click on links or provide information without confirming the legitimacy of the request. Be particularly cautious with urgent or threatening messages.
     
5. Tech Support Scams
   
   • Scammers contact students, claiming that their computer has a virus and offering to fix it for a fee. These scammers may also try to install malware on your device.
   • Tip: If you receive an unsolicited tech support call, hang up. Use trusted sources for any tech support needs. Never grant remote access to your computer to an unknown party.
     
6. Credit Card Scams
   
   • Some scammers target students with offers of "pre-approved" credit cards with high limits and low-interest rates. These offers often come with hidden fees or are simply fake.
   • Tip: Only apply for credit cards through reputable banks or financial institutions. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true, and always read the fine print before signing up.

Here is what you can do to further minimize your risks of getting scammed online:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest scam alerts from trusted sources such as our blogs, our community and specialized anti-fraud sites like the BBB.
• Guard Your Information: Be cautious about sharing personal details online, especially on social media or through unsecured websites. Limit the amount of personal information you share on public platforms as well as your audience. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
• Use Strong Passwords: Implement strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Regularly update your passwords and avoid using the same one across multiple sites.
• Verify Before You Act: Whether it’s a job offer, scholarship, or any other opportunity, take the time to verify its authenticity before responding. Always double-check with a trusted source if you’re unsure. Ask this community or use Bitdefender Scamio for a second opinion when in doubt.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam, report it to the BBB, your school, or local law enforcement to help protect others. Early reporting can prevent others from falling victim.

Personal vigilance combined with the technological defense provided through tools like Bitdefender Scamio can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams. As you embark on your academic journey, stay informed and utilize every available resource to safeguard your personal information and finances.

Do we have any students in the community?

TaxiMagicien42

Hello @Alexandru_BD,

Another article that shows you need to stay alert.

Thank you for sharing.

Regards,