Heading off to college comes with plenty of new responsibilities, from managing coursework to living away from home. For many students, it’s the first time they’re making major financial decisions on their own, and scammers know it.
Each year, college students are targeted by con artists looking to steal money, personal data or both. These schemes are often disguised as everyday offers or opportunities, making them even harder to spot. Whether it’s an apartment rental, a tempting job offer or a too-good-to-be-true deal, students need to stay alert and informed.
Here are seven scams college students should watch out for, and how to steer clear of them.
• Fake Credit Card Offers
Credit card scams targeting students are common. A scammer might offer a card with easy approval, claiming it’s designed specifically for students. In reality, they’re trying to steal your Social Security number and other personal information.
How to stay safe: If you’re considering a credit card, research your options through reputable banks or credit unions. Read the terms carefully and avoid offers that pressure you to act fast or provide sensitive data upfront.
• Too-Good-to-Be-True Apartments
Finding off-campus housing is a major milestone, but rental scams are everywhere. Scammers often post fake listings with attractive photos and low prices, asking for a security deposit or rent before a student has even seen the place.
How to stay safe: Always tour the property in person or schedule a virtual walk through. Avoid wiring money or paying with prepaid cards. Research the address and landlord and never sign a lease you haven’t read in full.
• Phony Employment Offers
Students seeking part-time jobs may encounter scams disguised as “easy” remote work or administrative roles. These jobs often promise high pay for minimal effort. The catch? You’ll be asked to pay upfront for training or to deposit a check and send back part of the money.
How to stay safe: Legitimate employers won’t ask for payment to secure a job. Be wary of any offer that requires you to deposit checks or transfer money. When in doubt, contact your school’s career services office for help vetting a position.
• Tech Support Cons
Students depend on their laptops and smartphones for everything, so when something goes wrong, they’re eager to fix it fast. Tech support scams often begin with a pop-up or call claiming your device is infected with a virus. The scammer offers to fix it remotely, for a fee or with access to your device.
How to stay safe: Don’t trust unsolicited calls or pop-ups claiming there’s an issue with your device. Contact the manufacturer or a trusted repair service directly. Never give remote access to your computer unless you’re sure the provider is legitimate.
• Online Shopping Traps
Limited budgets make students eager for a good deal, especially on books, electronics or fashion. Fake online stores or social media ads may advertise major discounts but deliver low-quality products or nothing at all.
How to stay safe: Stick to well-known retailers or verified resellers. Check BBB.org for ratings and reviews before you buy. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true or ask for payment through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
Scammers know how much families are willing to invest in a student’s education. Some fraudsters pose as scholarship providers or financial aid offices, offering money for school in exchange for a fee or sensitive information.
How to stay safe: Never pay to apply for a scholarship. Use trusted resources like StudentAid.gov or your school’s financial aid office. Avoid any opportunity that guarantees approval or demands personal data right away.
• Imposter Scams
These scams can take many forms: a caller claiming to be from the IRS, your school, or even your parents. The goal is to trick you into sending money or sharing information by creating a sense of urgency or fear.
How to stay safe: Always verify the identity of the person contacting you. Government agencies and schools won’t demand payment over the phone or threaten immediate action. Hang up, find the organization’s official contact information and call them directly.
Building Awareness, Building Protection
College students are often new to managing money and navigating contracts, which makes them prime targets for scammers. Talk with friends, parents and campus advisors about any suspicious offers you come across. Sharing experiences can help prevent others from falling victim.
To learn more about spotting and avoiding scholarship and financial aid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams. If you or someone you know has encountered a scam, even if you didn’t lose money, share your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Together, we can help keep families safe and informed.
For more tips and resources, visit BBB.org. Stay smart, stay safe and enjoy your college experience with confidence.
Jan Diaz is the President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana, which serves 23 counties. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit www.bbb.org.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Scammers prey on college students now on their own making major financial decisions
Reporting by Jan Diaz / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
