Academic Calendar Phases and Associated Scams
The academic calendar is structured around key phases throughout the year, each presenting unique opportunities for scammers to target students, parents, and educational institutions. Understanding these phases and their associated scams is crucial for staying protected. Below, we explore these phases and the common scams that emerge during each period.
Back-to-School Season (Late Summer/Early Fall)
This busy period marks the start of the academic year and is ripe for various scams targeting both students and parents.
Shopping Scams
As students and parents prepare for the new school year, there is a surge in demand for school supplies, electronics, and other educational materials. Scammers exploit this by creating fake websites or sending phishing emails that advertise heavily discounted school supplies and gadgets, such as laptops and tablets. They lure victims with attractive deals, collect credit card information, and either never deliver the items or misuse the financial details for fraudulent activities. Red flags include websites with unusual URLs, lack of secure payment methods (e.g., missing HTTPS), and requests for payment through unconventional methods like gift cards【6†source】.
Back-to-School Shopping Spree Scams
Cybercriminals also exploit the excitement of back-to-school shopping by promoting fake shopping spree prizes via social media ads or unsolicited emails. Victims are asked to provide personal information, such as their home address and Social Security Number, to claim their "prize," leading to identity theft or excessive spam. Often, these scams use urgency tactics, indicating that the offer is only valid for a limited time to pressure quick action【6†source】.
Student Tax Scam
As college-bound students and their parents prepare for the upcoming semester, scammers may pose as IRS agents or representatives from the school, claiming that a non-existent "student tax" must be paid immediately to avoid penalties or to ensure the student can attend classes. These scams often use threatening language, such as legal consequences or arrest, to create fear and urgency【6†source】.
Application and Enrollment Period (Fall/Winter)
During this time, students apply for colleges, scholarships, and financial aid, creating multiple opportunities for scammers to exploit the process.
Scholarship Scams
With the rising costs of education, many students and parents are eager to find scholarships. Scammers capitalize on this by advertising fake scholarships requiring application fees or notifying students of awards they never applied for, asking for redemption fees. Warning signs include scholarships that guarantee awards, lack of clear eligibility criteria, or requests for personal and banking information upfront【6†source】.
Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
Scammers often exploit confusion surrounding student loan forgiveness programs by offering fake services that promise quick loan forgiveness for an upfront fee or request personal information to "initiate" the process. They may pose as representatives from official-sounding organizations or use fake government seals to appear legitimate. Victims are left with lost money and compromised personal information【6†source】.
Exam Preparation Period (Various Times Throughout the Year)
As standardized testing dates approach, students seek resources and materials to prepare, providing fertile ground for scams.
College Test Prep Scams
Fraudsters target students or their parents by claiming that test prep materials have been ordered and requesting payment information to complete the transaction. They may also create fake websites advertising study guides or prep classes at discounted rates. Victims who provide their payment details often face unauthorized charges or identity theft. To avoid such scams, always purchase test prep materials from reputable sources and verify any unsolicited offers directly with the testing organization【6†source】.
Holiday Breaks (Winter/Spring)
During holiday breaks, students may let their guard down, making them more susceptible to scams.
Social Media Scams
Scammers target students on social media platforms, offering incredible deals on popular items, discounted gift cards, or holiday packages. These offers often link to malicious websites or phishing pages designed to capture financial and personal information. Some scams may also involve fake charity appeals, where fraudsters exploit the holiday spirit of giving by creating fraudulent charity websites or crowdfunding pages【6†source】.
Graduation Season (Late Spring/Early Summer)
As students prepare to graduate, scammers take advantage of the transitional phase.
Job Scams
Graduating students actively seek employment, making them vulnerable to job scams. Fraudsters may pose as recruiters or potential employers, offering fake job opportunities that require upfront payments for "training" or "equipment" or personal information for background checks. These scams often use legitimate company names to build trust and may even conduct fake interviews. Be wary of any job offers requiring financial outlay or that seem too good to be true【6†source】.
Year-Round Threats
Certain scams persist throughout the academic year, adapting to different phases.
Calendar Phishing Scams
These scams involve sending fake calendar invitations that appear to come from a trusted source. When victims click on the links or attachments, they are directed to phishing sites or malware is installed on their devices. Calendar phishing scams exploit the trust users place in calendar invitations and can be particularly effective among students juggling multiple deadlines and appointments【6†source】.
Protecting Against Academic Calendar Scams
To protect against these scams:
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Question offers that require personal information or payment, especially if they are unsolicited or seem too good to be true【6†source】.
- Verify Legitimacy: Always verify the legitimacy of scholarships, job offers, and financial aid opportunities through official channels, such as the educational institution's website or government databases【6†source】.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods, and check for website reviews and security certificates (HTTPS) before making purchases【6†source】.
- Adjust Calendar Settings: Limit who can send calendar invitations and be cautious of unexpected or unfamiliar events appearing in your calendar【6†source】.
- Stay Updated: Regularly update software and security systems to protect against malware and phishing attempts【6†source】.
- Educate and Spread Awareness: Share knowledge about common scams with peers and stay informed about the latest scam trends through reliable resources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Better Business Bureau (BBB), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)【6†source】.
By recognizing the scams associated with each phase of the academic calendar, students, parents, and educational institutions can better prepare and protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes throughout the year.
Resources for Further Reading and Assistance:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Provides a comprehensive guide on recognizing and avoiding scams FTC Scam Alerts.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) - Scam Tracker: A tool for reporting scams and viewing scam reports from others BBB Scam Tracker.
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Offers resources on protecting against online scams CISA Cybersecurity.
By staying informed and vigilant, individuals can reduce their risk of falling prey to scams and contribute to a safer community for all.
