SCHOOL SUPPLY SCAMS

The rush to buy supplies has already begun and so have shopping scams. Masked in promotions for computers and accessories sold at unheard-of prices, with free shipping and a chance to win free shopping sprees, these are the early warning signs of, “if it sounds too good to be true, it is”. Discounted prices and amazing deals are ways fraudsters entice shoppers. If you only look for the lowest price, you may get exactly what you pay for.

With higher prices and product shortages, consumers will be looking for cost-effective ways to fill the school supply list. According to the Better Business Bureau, tech supplies are at the top of the school scam supply list. Check out the BBB’s warnings about what appear to be good deals.

TIPS:

• Only visit websites of reputable brands you recognize.
• Be wary of deals that are too good to be true.
• Never click on coupons or promotional advertisements that show up on your social media feed. Instead, go to the website directly.
• Don’t fall for “free shopping spree” advertisements or promotional material. If you click on the link, it may be a link to malware.

Have a Student Loan?

Never Pay for Help

Student loan payments are poised to restart in October and scammers are also poised to take advantage of the confusion surrounding the repayment program. If you have a student loan, you can bet you'll be a target for scammers calling, texting and emailing - promising ways to help with your loan, for a fee, of course.

Be a good student and research - keep up with the news and learn how to spot repayment scams. The laws around the repayment program are changing all the time. Know how to spot a student loan scam:

Warning signs of student loan scams

• Promises immediate student loan relief.
• Want you to pay money up front.
• Ask you for your SSN or other sensitive information.
• Claim to be affiliated with a government agency.
• Use high-pressure sales tactics.
• Want you to sign a form giving them power of attorney.

1. Don't trust anyone who promises loan forgiveness or debt relief. Scammers will say they are with the Department of Education or the FTC. Neither of these organizations will ever reach out to you directly.
2. Don't provide your FSA ID login information to anyone. Not only will scammers disrupt your connection with your loan provider, but they may also steal your identity in the process.
3. Never, never pay for help with student loans. There is nothing anyone can do for you that you can't do for yourself, for free 

Get help and information here.

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