As the back-to-school season kicks off, the rise in back-to-school scams is a growing concern. From fake scholarship offers to fraudulent shopping websites, scammers are targeting students, parents, and schools. Knowing how to avoid these scams can save you from potential financial loss and identity theft. Here’s what you need to watch out for and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Why Schools Are Easy Targets for Hackers
One sector often overlooked in cybersecurity is education. Recent reports have shown a staggering 105% increase in known ransomware attacks against K–12 schools and higher education institutions. Schools are particularly vulnerable because they store vast amounts of sensitive data, including information on students and employees. Unfortunately, many schools rely on outdated systems and have limited IT and cybersecurity resources, making them low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals.
David Wolf, VP of Just Solutions, recently discussed these growing threats with Buffalo news station WIVB 4. He emphasized the critical need for schools to implement daily monitoring, multi-factor authentication, and robust security practices to safeguard their networks and protect the personal information of students and staff. As David points out, schools must prioritize cybersecurity now more than ever.
However, it’s not just educational institutions that are at risk—students themselves are prime targets. Whether you’re heading off to college or are the parent of a young student, it’s essential to be mindful of how you handle your data. Recognizing these scams is the first step in protecting yourself.
Top Back-to-School Scams to Watch Out For
Cybercriminals often exploit the back-to-school season to launch scams that specifically target students and parents. Below, we outline some common scams and trends from the Better Business Bureau.
6 Common Scams Targeting College Students
College students are in a transitional phase, often managing their finances independently for the first time. This makes them particularly susceptible to scams, as they frequently exchange sensitive data while applying for credit cards, housing, and making significant purchases. According to the Better Business Bureau, for the second year in a row, ages 18-24 reported a higher median dollar loss ($155) than all other age groups when it comes to online scams. Just one wrong click can lead to devastating consequences. Here are seven scams to watch out for:
1. Scholarship Scams
Scammers often pose as scholarship providers and send unsolicited offers via email, social media, or text messages. They typically ask for personal information or an upfront payment to “secure” the scholarship, but legitimate scholarships never require fees.
2. Housing Scams
Fake rental listings, often posted on popular platforms like Craigslist, advertise apartments or houses at attractive prices. Scammers collect deposits and personal information, then disappear, leaving students without a place to stay.
3. Job Scams
Scammers pose as employers, offering students easy jobs with high pay, such as “personal assistant” or “secret shopper” roles. They may ask for personal information like Social Security numbers or send fake checks that eventually bounce.
4. Textbook Scams
Students looking to save money on textbooks may fall victim to websites offering heavily discounted books that never arrive. Some sites may also sell outdated or incorrect editions.
5. Online Shopping Scams
Fake websites offer products like electronics, clothing, or accessories at extremely low prices but never deliver the items. These sites often collect credit card information for fraudulent use.
6. Credit Card Fraud
Phishing attempts, often disguised as official-looking emails from banks or credit card companies, aim to steal students’ credit card information. Clicking on links in these emails can lead to malicious sites or prompt students to provide sensitive information.
5 Ways Parents Can Keep Their Children Safe Online
Cybersecurity isn’t just for older students—children of all ages need protection online. Children as young as elementary school are being given personal email addresses and devices for school. As a parent, you might need to take a more hands-on approach to monitor your child’s online activities. Here are four ways you can keep them safe:
1. Monitor the Games Your Children Play
Many popular online games have chat features that can expose children to inappropriate content or contact with strangers. Some games also have in-app purchases, which can lead to unexpected charges.
2. Think Twice Before Sharing School Photos
Sharing school photos on social media may seem harmless, but pictures often reveal more than intended, like school names, locations, and uniforms, which can put your child at risk.
3. Keep Work Devices Out of Reach
Children using work devices can inadvertently access sensitive information or download harmful content. Even seemingly harmless activities like browsing the web or playing games can expose these devices to malware and other cyber threats.
4. Be Cautious of Downloads
Children may unknowingly download apps, games, or software from unreliable sources, leading to malware infections, data breaches, or exposure to inappropriate content.
5. Educate Your Children
Regular conversations about online safety are crucial. Children need to understand the risks of sharing personal information, interacting with strangers, and falling for online scams or phishing attempts.
How to Avoid Scams While Shopping for Back-to-School Supplies
While back-to-school season offers great deals and the convenience of online shopping, it also provides opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. From fake deals to counterfeit websites, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Here are some practical tips to help you shop safely:
1. Shop from Reputable Retailers
Always choose well-known and trusted retailers for your purchases. Be especially wary of unfamiliar websites offering steep discounts, as these are often scams designed to lure you in.
2. Verify Website Authenticity
Scammers often create websites that look like legitimate retailers but with slight variations in the URL. Always double-check the web address to ensure you’re on the official site before entering any personal information.
3. Be Cautious of Imposter Ads
Fraudulent ads on social media or other websites can mimic well-known brands. Instead of clicking on ads, go directly to the brand’s official website by typing the URL into your browser.
4. Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Deals
If an item’s price is significantly lower than other retailers, it’s likely a scam. Compare prices across multiple sites and read reviews to verify the legitimacy of the offer.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping while protecting yourself from potential scams. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and shop elsewhere.
Keep Your Devices Secure With JSI Guardian
You don’t need to be a business owner to become the target of a cyber-attack. Everyone has a responsibility to stay protected. At Just Solutions, our support isn’t limited to businesses. If you want to take extra steps to secure your personal devices, our JSI Guardian plan offers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for laptops, PCs, and more. Contact us today to learn more about securing your digital life.
Back To School Cybersecurity FAQ's
Q: How can I avoid back-to-school scams while shopping online?
A: Always shop from trusted websites, use credit cards for added protection, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Q: What should I do if I fall victim to a scam?
A: Immediately contact your bank, report the scam to the Better Business Bureau, and consider consulting with a cybersecurity professional to secure your data.
Q: Are back-to-school scams only targeting students?
A: No, scammers target students, parents, and even educational institutions. Scams range from fake scholarship offers to fraudulent school supply deals.
Q: How can students protect their personal information online?
A: Students should avoid sharing personal information on unsecured websites, use strong, unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication on important accounts.
Q: What should parents teach their children about online safety?
A: Parents should educate their children on the risks of sharing personal information, the dangers of downloading unknown apps, and the importance of recognizing phishing attempts.
Q: Are there specific signs to look for when identifying fake online deals?
A: Yes, look out for typos, poorly designed websites, offers that are significantly lower than the market price, and URLs that don’t match the brand’s official site.