Rossen Reports: Beware of these back-to-school scams
The Better Business Bureau is warning everyone to be vigilant against scammers as the back-to-school season approaches.
Here are three scams you should watch out for:
Online shopping scams
Online shopping scams are rampant, with fake websites offering phony deals. The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers could be using "clickbait" ads to drive you to different websites and steal personal information. When shopping online, always check the URL and ensure you are shopping from legitimate retailers. Opt for secure payment methods like credit cards for an extra layer of protection.
Test prep scams
These scams involve callers pretending to be from the College Board, the company that handles the SAT and AP tests, or sometimes another educational organization. The caller will try to send you study materials in exchange for personal information and payment.
The College Board says it will never make unsolicited sales calls. Be wary of unsolicited callers and never give financial information to strangers.
Job scams targeting college students
These scams often start with an email to your student email address, encouraging you to apply for a job. The "employer" hires you on the spot without an interview – even sending your first paycheck to deposit before you start working. However, they need you to send some of the money back to them, often in the form of prepaid gift cards, debit cards, or money orders.
The exact scenario may vary – but the check is always fake, leaving victims responsible for the lost funds. Never send money to someone you don’t know; remember that no legitimate company will ask you to pay them to get a job.
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