Back-to-school season brings new routines, fresh goals, and unfortunately, an increase in scams targeting students and parents. From fake student loan offers to deceptive scholarship promises and bogus supply sales, back-to-school scams take advantage of the urgency families feel with preparing for a new school year.
Each year, these schemes cost families time, money, and in some cases, their identity. At Florida Credit Union, we're here to help you stay informed and protected as you gear up for the semester ahead. Here are some of the most common back-to-school scams to watch for and how to avoid them.
1. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
Scammers know student loan borrowers are looking for answers, which makes them an easy target. Fake forgiveness offers and urgent payment requests are increasingly common. Some scammers pose as representatives from the Department of Education or loan servicers, offering guaranteed loan forgiveness for a fee. These offers often show up through emails, robocalls, or even social media ads, and may include urgent language like "act now before it's too late."
Legitimate help with student loans is always free. The U.S. Department of Education and its loan servicers do not charge fees for loan assistance or forgiveness programs. If you're seeking information about repayment options or potential forgiveness, the best resource is the Federal Student Aid website. Never share your FSA ID or Social Security number with unsolicited contacts claiming to fast-track your application.
2. Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
The promise of "guaranteed" scholarships or access to exclusive grant money can be tempting, especially when accompanied by the stress of college costs. Some scammers charge fees to apply for scholarships or claim you've won an award you never actually entered. Others may pressure you to pay immediately to "lock in" your opportunity.
These scams can be hard to spot because they often use official-sounding language or mimic real programs. A good rule of thumb is this: if you're being asked to pay money to receive money, it's likely a scam. Legitimate scholarship opportunities never require payment. To find reliable options, use trusted platforms like your school's financial aid office or the Federal Student Aid website.
Looking for a trusted source of real scholarship support? Florida Credit Union offers annual scholarships to support local students. Applications open in late October. Learn more about our scholarship opportunities here.
3. Fake Tech Deals and School Supply Scams
During the back-to-school shopping rush, families are often on the lookout for deals on laptops, tablets, software, and other essentials. Scammers take advantage of this by creating fake websites or listings offering name-brand products at unusually low prices. Once you've made a purchase, you may receive counterfeit goods or nothing at all.
Stick to reputable retailers you recognize and double-check the website URL before entering payment information. If a site looks unprofessional or lacks contact information, it's a red flag. Using a credit card when shopping online can also provide added protection if something goes wrong.
4. Scams Posing as Schools or Students
Some of the most convincing back-to-school scams are the ones that appear to come from trusted sources such as your school, a loan provider, or even your own child. Scammers use emails, texts, and phone calls to impersonate school officials or students in need of urgent help.
In some cases, parents receive a call claiming to be from their child's university, asking for immediate payment for tuition, housing, or emergency fees. In others, someone might pretend to be the student themselves, claiming to be in trouble and needing money quickly. These emotional tactics are designed to pressure you into acting before verifying the details.
Scammers also rely on phishing emails that mimic school announcements or account notifications. They may ask you to click a link or download an attachment, claiming it's needed to "update your account" or "confirm your financial aid." In reality, the goal is to steal your login credentials or infect your device with malware.
To protect yourself, take a moment to pause and verify. Contact your child or school directly using known phone numbers or websites. Be cautious of unexpected emails or messages asking for sensitive information. And remember, real institutions won't ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to pause and investigate. Don't be afraid to hang up, delete the email, or decline an offer. Reporting the scam to the Federal Trade Commission or Federal Communications Commission can help protect others, too.
Be sure to monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity. And if you think your FCU account or personal information may have been compromised, contact us right away. We're here to help secure your finances and guide you through the recovery process.
The start of a new school year should be filled with excitement and opportunity, not worry over fraud and scams. Whether you're preparing a kindergartener's backpack or helping a college student apply for aid, being aware of the warning signs can make all the difference.
At Florida Credit Union, we're proud to serve our members and their families with not just financial services but guidance and peace of mind. If you ever receive a suspicious message, questionable offer, or confusing loan communication, we're here to help review it with you.
Let's make this school year a safe, smart, and successful one for students, parents, and the entire FCU community.