7 Back to School Security Scams

Smart tips to help students and families avoid fraud this school year

As students head back to classrooms and college campuses, it’s not just pencils and planners they need to be prepared with, it’s protection. With more school forms, tech devices, and online accounts in use, back-to-school season is also peak time for scammers targeting students and families.
 

At Provident Credit Union, we’re here to help you stay informed, secure, and one step ahead. Here are a few common scams to watch for and simple ways to keep your information safe this school year:
 

1. Student Loan or Tuition Scams

   Be wary of messages promising guaranteed loan forgiveness, lower rates, or faster approval in exchange for a fee. Legitimate forgiveness programs have strict eligibility requirements, and federal loan consolidation is free through official channels. No one can guarantee acceptance or special access. Always verify offers through official government sources and your loan servicer.
    

2. Fake School Supply or Tech Deals

   That “too good to be true” laptop deal on social media? It probably is. Scammers create fake ads to steal credit card information or deliver counterfeit goods. Stick to trusted retailers, and avoid unfamiliar sites that lack reviews or contact information.
    

3. Phishing Emails Posing as Teachers or Schools

   An email that appears to be from a teacher or administrator may actually be a phishing attempt, especially if it urges you to click a link or download a form. Always verify the sender’s email address and watch for typos or urgent language. When uncertain, contact the school directly to confirm.
    

4. Public Wi-Fi Risks at School or on Campus

   Unsecured Wi-Fi at schools, libraries, or cafes can expose your personal data if your device isn't properly protected. Use a VPN when possible, and avoid entering passwords, banking info, or other sensitive data on public networks.
    

5. “Dorm Package” or Text Message Delivery Scams

   Some students report receiving texts or emails about a missed dorm delivery that require them to enter login or payment information. These are often scams. It's best to check directly with campus mail services and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links in texts or emails.
    

6. Scholarship Scams

   Be cautious of scholarship offers that guarantee funding or ask for an application, processing, or service fee. Legitimate scholarships do not require upfront payment, and FAFSA is always free to complete and submit. If someone claims to be from the Department of Education and asks for your FSA ID or payment, verify the request through official channels before responding.
    

7. Employment Scams

   Be cautious of job offers that promise easy remote work, high pay for little effort, or immediate hiring. Scammers may ask for personal information, send fake checks, or request payments for supplies or training. Research employers carefully and never send money or share sensitive information as part of the hiring process.

 

Where to report student scams

Reporting student fraud can help protect your information and create a record of what happened.

• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• Report internet-based fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov if the scam happened online.
• File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov/complaint if the fraud involved financial aid or student loan services.
• Submit a report to the Department of Education Office of Inspector General Fraud Hotline at oig.ed.gov/oig-hotline if the incident involved fraud tied to student loans, debt relief, loan forgiveness, scholarships, or impersonation of education officials or agencies.
• Report the incident to campus police or local law enforcement if it involved housing, an in-person exchange, stolen property, or someone impersonating your school.
• Report identity theft at identitytheft.gov if your personal information was exposed.

Extra Credit: Easy Ways to Boost Your Security

• Turn on multi-factor authentication on all school, email, and bank accounts.

• Set up account alerts with your Provident  accounts to monitor for suspicious activity.

• Teach your student to recognize scams—even a quick conversation can prevent big problems.

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account and update them regularly.

A safer school year starts with awareness. Whether you're sending a child to kindergarten or college, taking a few simple precautions now can help protect your finances and peace of mind all year long.

This article was originally published on August 14, 2025.