A back-to-school scam is a specific type of scam targeting parents and students. The typical back-to-school scam involves a payment request that looks like it’s from your local public school system but is actually for something unrelated to education—like membership services for an online dating website or a medical alert device. The scammers will take advantage of the timing of the first day of school in your area to make their fraudulent offers appear legitimate.
The scammers will send out scam texts or emails claiming that they're from reputable companies like Apple, Best Buy, Microsoft, or Walmart offering products at low prices with free shipping (even though some of these companies don't even sell products via email). They might also ask for personal information like bank account numbers so that you can pay for shipping fees (which never actually end up being paid) or credit card numbers so that you can receive your "free" gift card immediately.
How to Avoid Back-to-school scams
Don't give out personal information. Scammers will pretend to be affiliated with local schools, or even offer free supplies if you enter your personal information on an online form.
Don't give out your credit card details. Scammers can use this info to make charges on a card of yours, and then have you pay them back later in cash or check.
Don’t give out your social security number. A thief could use this information for identity theft or fraud, so keep it safe and secure!
Don’t give out your bank account details. Giving someone access to this info means they'll be able to drain all the money from it—and possibly worse things! So keep it locked up tight until you need it again next month...or whenever there's some big purchase coming up :)
Don't click on links in emails or texts. This is the easiest way for hackers to get into your computer. Also, if the school offers free supplies, they usually put an announcement on their website first. If you're not sure whether it's real or fake, check with your school before giving them any personal info.
Don't trust anyone who calls you and offers free supplies. Always check the school's website before giving out personal information! And remember: email and text scams often come from someone using a name similar to yours (like Mike instead of Michael). So be extra careful when dealing with people online!
Install an app to filter or block scam-like texts.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid back-to-school scams is to be aware of them. If you receive an email or phone call that looks suspicious, do not give out any personal information and notify your child's school immediately.