Common Back to School Scams

As families gear up for a new school year, scammers are also preparing—looking for ways to take advantage of the back-to-school rush. From fake supply stores to phishing emails, here are some of the most common scams to watch out for and how to protect yourself and your family.

1. Fake Supply Stores & Online Deals

Scammers often create fake websites or social media ads that offer unbeatable prices on school supplies, uniforms, or electronics. These sites may look legitimate, but once you make a purchase, the items never arrive—or worse, your payment information is stolen.

How to stay safe:

• Stick to well-known, reputable retailers.
• Check for HTTPS in the website URL.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true—they probably are.

2. Scholarship & Financial Aid Scams

Fraudsters may offer fake scholarships or financial aid services that require upfront fees or sensitive personal information.

Red flags to watch for:

• Promises of “guaranteed” scholarships.
• Requests for payment to apply.
• Emails or websites that look unofficial or poorly designed.

3. Phishing Emails from “Schools”

Scammers may impersonate school officials or administrators, sending emails that request sensitive information like Social Security numbers, medical records, or payment details.

What to do:

• Always verify the sender’s email address.
• Contact the school directly if something seems off.
• Never click on suspicious links or download unexpected attachments.

4. Tech Support Scams for School Devices

With more students using laptops and tablets, scammers pose as tech support agents offering to fix non-existent issues.

Protect yourself:

• Never give remote access to unknown callers.
• Use official school or manufacturer support channels for tech help.

5. Fake Tutoring Services

Some scammers advertise tutoring services that either don’t exist or are of extremely poor quality, often requiring upfront payment.

Tips to avoid being scammed:

• Ask for references or a trial session.
• Research the company or individual thoroughly.
• Use platforms recommended by your school or district.

✅ Quick Tips to Stay Scam-Safe

• Educate your kids about online safety and common scams.
• Monitor bank and credit card statements for unusual activity.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Report scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Staying informed is your best defense. Share these tips with friends, family, and fellow parents to help everyone have a safe and scam-free start to the school year!