Scams targeting students and how to avoid them

As the back-to-school season sees students start at universities, the Federal Communications Commission has urged students and parents to exercise caution when providing personal information online due to the rise of savvy scammers. 

Scams that new university attendees need to be particularly wary of include false promises around scholarships, part-time jobs, and student rent discounts, as well as general tech support throughout the application and enrollment processes.  

Student loan scams are becoming more common and can be devastating, especially at the start of the school year when students are learning to manage their own finances. 

To prevent parents and students falling victim to scams this September, Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, has highlighted three common scams and offered advice on how parents can remain vigilant.   

Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, warns that employment scams targeting job seekers are on the rise, posing a risk to students.  

As students search for internships or part-time work, scammers create fake job listings offering high pay for simple roles with minimal requirements. They often request personal details, like National Insurance numbers or bank details, under the pretense of processing paperwork or setting up regular wage payments.  

For fake job offer scams, students should be wary of job offers that seem too good to be true. Thoroughly verify the legitimacy of potential employers through sites like Trustpilot – or reach out to them directly to confirm that they’re hiring and avoid sharing sensitive information or making payments without careful investigation.    

Scammers exploit the back-to-school season by targeting parents with deceptive offers. They create fake online stores offering discounted school supplies and uniforms but deliver poor-quality or nonexistent products.  

Fraudulent ads on social media lure buyers to fake websites designed to steal payment and personal information. Additionally, scammers send fake package delivery emails containing malicious links that lead to phishing or malware attacks. 

Parents can protect themselves from shopping scams by sticking to well-known and trusted retailers, both online and in-store. It’s also important to verify the legitimacy of unfamiliar websites by checking reviews and looking for contact information.  

Also, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true – especially if they require immediate payment or personal information. 

Identity scams during the back-to-school season target students and parents overwhelmed with tasks. Scammers pose as school officials or service providers, requesting sensitive information like bank details through fake emails, calls, or sites. 

They claim it’s for enrollment, school fees, or discounts. Once obtained, this data is used for identity theft, accessing accounts, and making fraudulent purchases. 

Parents can protect themselves and their children from back-to-school identity scams by verifying the authenticity of any requests for personal information, particularly if they come from unfamiliar sources. Always contact the school or organisation directly.  

Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator offers tips to help parents and students prevent being scammed: “While young people tend to be tech-savvy, they can still lower their digital defenses – especially if they perceive the requests to do so as being from an authoritative source such as a university or letting agent.  

“Despite parents typically being cautious when handling their children’s personal details, both groups can easily be caught off guard by back-to-school scams. The desire to save money during this transition is understandable, but it’s vital to stay vigilant at all times. 

“Fraudsters will go to great lengths to steal your money, so it’s crucial to stay aware of the risks and protect yourself and others from potential threats. 

“One key tip is to use separate email addresses and phone numbers from your main ones for sign-ups, subscriptions, or temporary interactions. This reduces the exposure of your personal information, lowering the chances of phishing and other scams.  

“If you’re ever unsure as to whether a request is legitimate, don’t be afraid to reach out to the university directly using only their official contact details. It’s better to make a quick call that may be unnecessary than to take a risk and lose a substantial sum.”