No Extra Credit for Scammers - Outsmart Back-to-School Scams

It’s back-to-school season and the excitement is high, but so too is the risk of scams and safety pitfalls, especially online. Stay vigilant and protect what matters, because scammers are out looking for extra credit.

Online Scams on the Rise

1. Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals

Scammers are crafting fake ads with flashy discounts on school essentials like gadgets or uniforms. These often come via social media, email, or pop-up ads and are designed to look real, with realistic images and even fabricated reviews. The goal is to lure you into clicking a link that leads to a bogus website aiming to steal your payment info or install malware.

2. Phony School or Retail Websites

Scammers often create near-perfect replicas of actual sites and if you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to mistake them for the real deal, especially when they mimic logos, layouts and branding.

3. Phishing Attempts

Scammers may target families and students with urgent messages about delayed or missed payments or exclusive opportunities that require quick action. These emails or texts are designed to pressure you into clicking links or sharing sensitive information like bank details or passwords.

How to Stay Ahead of these Scams

 

• Know the Signs
  Stay informed about the latest scam trends and teach others how to recognise suspicious calls, messages and other red flags. The more you know, the quicker you and your network can spot and stop scammers in their tracks.

• Use Trusted Sites and Apps
  Always use verified websites and trusted resources. Never follow links from SMS, email or social media.

• Verify Deals
  Offers of unbelievable discounts on items like laptops should be treated with caution. Take a moment to verify their authenticity through official channels before making a purchase.

• Watch for Messages that Require Urgency
  Scammers love phrases like “Offer ends soon!” or “Only a few left!” Slow down and think before acting.

• Use Credit Cards When Shopping Online
  They typically offer better fraud protection compared to other payment methods.

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords + 2FA
  Ensure all your accounts, especially financial ones, have strong, unique passwords and 2-factor authentication is enabled once available. Never share sensitive details with anyone.

• Guard Social Media Sharing
  Be deliberate about how you use social media and with what you share on the internet. Your own posts or information can be used and manipulated by scammers to trap you, your family members or friends in their schemes.

By staying alert, verifying before you click and favoring trusted sources, you can keep your back-to-school season preparation online smooth, safe and scam-free.

Physical safety is also just as important, especially for students who travel miles away from home for school. Here are some bonus on-the-ground safety tips for students:

• Safe Commute Tip
  Consider travelling to school in groups with other students in your area. Walk with friends and always along well-lit, familiar routes, especially at early mornings and late afternoons.

• New Friends and Study Groups
  Be mindful about meeting new people on social media and if meeting friends for a study party, ensure the location is safe but visible.

• Emergency Plans
  Ensure you know how to call family, school security or local authorities if plans change last minute. Always have backup contact options.

This back-to-school shopping season, parents, guardians and students also:

• Be aware of your surroundings.

Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason and of people trying to distract you. Also, be on the lookout for any abnormal activity as you head back home, and be ready to take action.

• Shop with company

Whenever possible, avoid shopping alone, especially during the busy back-to-school season when stores and parking lots can be crowded. Having another person with you, ideally another adult, adds an extra layer of safety and awareness.

• Limit cash and use secure payment options
  Carry only the amount of cash you truly need for the day and consider using secure non-cash options like debit or credit cards, or mobile payment apps like the JN Pay Wallet. Remember to keep cards in a safe, easily accessible spot and avoid pulling out your wallet or phone more than necessary.