September is often a time of excitement for students heading to college campuses, but it can also be a time when college students become prime targets for scams.
Lisa Schiller, senior director of investigations with the Better Business Bureau, joined Wisconsin’s Midday News to warn college students and parents about scams that often target college students.
“Impostor scams are really big,” Schiller said. “That’s when scammers will call or email or text and pretend to be with the registrar’s office or the bursar’s office and maybe say that you have an outstanding bill… so watch out for those impostors.”
Schiller added that college freshman are often easy targets as they’re not used how school financial information is shcared or where official billing notices come from.
Other scams and tips for students to watch out for:
- Fake credit card offers: Students should verify the company before applying and avoid giving out personal or financial information to unfamiliar lenders.
- Scholarship and grant scams: Be careful with offers found on social media. Schiller said legitimate grant websites should end in a .gov.
- Fake apartment listings: Students should see an apartment in person before sending money or signing anything.
- Rent deals: If the rent price seems too-good-to-be-true, that may be the red flag. Urgent deadlines can also be a red flag, especially for housing near campus.
- Sublease scams: Students should verify that the person advertising the room or apartment actually has permission to rent it out.
- Don’t share personal information over the phone: Schiller said students should not give out financial details, credit card numbers or Social Security numbers during unsolicited calls.
- Slow down before paying: Scammers often pressure students to act quickly. Taking time to verify an offer can prevent losing money or personal information.
