Scam: Student Awareness

Student Scam Awareness

Don’t Let Scammers Turn Your Goals Into Setbacks

Scammers don’t discriminate, and students are becoming frequent targets, especially when it comes to scholarships, job offers, and financial aid. Whether it’s through email, phone calls, social media, or even traditional mail, their goal is often the same: to get your personal information or money.

Know the Red Flags

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of anyone who:

• Asks for money or personal details (like your Social Security number or bank info) without explaining why
• Sends unsolicited offers for scholarships, grants, or jobs
• Promises high pay for little work, or asks you to deposit a check and send money back

Watch Out for Scholarship & Grant Scams

You should never pay for help finding scholarships or grants—there are plenty of free resources available. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov, and talk to your school’s guidance counselor or financial aid office for legitimate, no-cost help.

Be Careful with Job Offers

If a job offer seems too easy or too fast, be skeptical—especially if:

• You’re asked to pay to apply
• You’re told to buy equipment or supplies up front
• You receive a check from someone you don’t know and are told to deposit it and send money back

Legitimate employers won’t ask for money or personal details before you’ve even started working.

Protect Your Personal Information

Guard your private data like your future depends on it—because it does. Here are some important tips:

• Only share sensitive information when absolutely necessary
  Never give out your Social Security number, bank details, or account numbers unless you’re sure of the source.
• Think before you post
  Avoid oversharing on social media—scammers use that information to trick you or impersonate you.
• Don’t store personal data on devices
  Avoid saving passwords or account numbers on your phone or laptop. If those devices are compromised, so is your information.
• Stay alert online
  Be cautious with emails, links, and attachments from unknown senders. Scammers often disguise malware or phishing forms as legitimate messages.
• Use banking tools to stay ahead
  Enroll in online or mobile banking and turn on alerts to get notified about unusual activity, ATM withdrawals, password changes, and more.

If You Suspect a Scam, Speak Up

If you think something’s not right, trust your gut and talk to someone you trust. You can also report scams to your school or to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Stay smart. Stay cautious. Stay protected.
By learning to recognize scams early and guarding your personal information, you’re building smart habits that protect you now and into the future.

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