How to spot AI scams and avoid fraud
Don’t fall victim to an AI scam. This is what you should do to keep your information safe.
- College students are frequent targets for scammers due to their inexperience with managing finances.
- Students should be cautious of housing scams, suspicious financial offers and online shopping deals.
- Protecting personal information and regularly checking financial statements can help prevent identity theft.
Heading off to college is an exciting milestone. Along with classes, new friendships and greater independence come something many students don’t expect: scammers looking for easy targets.
College students are often managing their own finances for the first time, signing leases, applying for credit cards, purchasing textbooks and paying tuition. Criminals know this and use convincing schemes to steal money and personal information.
Whether you’re a student or the parent of one, staying alert can help prevent an expensive lesson outside the classroom.
Watch for impersonation scams
Scammers often pretend to be someone students trust, such as a college financial aid office, bank or government agency. An email or text message may ask students to click a link and log in with their school username and password or provide financial information. These messages can look legitimate, but they’re designed to steal sensitive information.
If you receive an unexpected request, contact the school or organization directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate instead of clicking links in the message.
Be cautious when searching for housing
Finding affordable housing near campus can be challenging, and scammers know students are eager to secure a place to live. Be wary of rental listings with unusually low prices or landlords who pressure you to send money before you’ve seen the property.
Whenever possible, tour the apartment in person or have someone you trust verify that the property exists before sending a deposit.
Think twice before applying for financial offers
Many students receive credit card offers, scholarship opportunities or loan assistance advertisements during the school year. Before sharing personal information or paying any fees, research the company, read customer reviews and verify its reputation.
Legitimate scholarship opportunities generally don’t guarantee awards or require upfront payments. When in doubt, contact your school’s financial aid office for guidance.
Shop smart online
Students purchase everything from textbooks and electronics to dorm room essentials online. Shop only with trusted retailers and be cautious of unbelievable deals promoted through social media advertisements or unfamiliar websites.
Before making a purchase, verify the seller, review return policies and pay with a credit card whenever possible for added consumer protections.
Protect your identity
Identity theft can affect anyone, including college students. Keep personal information secure, create strong and unique passwords for important accounts, and regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity. It’s also a good habit to check your credit report periodically to make sure no one has opened accounts in yourname.
Make awareness your best defense
Scammers are constantly changing their tactics, but many fraud attempts share one thing in common: they create a sense of urgency and pressure victims to act quickly. If something feels suspicious, slow down, ask questions, and verify the information before sending money or sharing personal information. A few extra minutes of caution can help protect your finances, your identity, and your peace of mind throughout the school year.
For more information, visit BBB.org. BBB’s business directory features profiles with verified reviews and complaint history to help you find trustworthy businesses. You can also file a complaint or submit a customer review. Visit BBB Scam Tracker to research or report scams.
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 BBB.org.