School’s Back in Session, So Are the Scammers
Back-to-school season is filled with to-do lists, shopping trips, tuition payments, and countless online purchases. It's also one of the busiest times of year for scammers looking to take advantage of distracted consumers searching for deals and trying to stretch their budgets.
Whether you're buying school supplies, shopping for electronics, helping a student prepare for college, or simply responding to back-to-school promotions, a little caution can go a long way.
Look for Warning Signs When Shopping Deals
This time of year, inboxes, social feeds, and text messages are full of advertisements promising remarkable discounts on laptops, tablets, school supplies, clothing, and other essentials.
While many promotions are legitimate, scammers often create fake websites and advertisements designed to look like real retailers.
Warning signs may include:
- Deals that seem dramatically lower than other retailers
- Unfamiliar websites
- Pressure to buyimmediately
- Limited payment options
- Poor grammar or spelling throughout the site
Before making a purchase, take a moment to verify the retailer and look for reviews from trusted sources.
Shop Digital Marketplaces Safely
Many families try to save money by purchasing used electronics, calculators, textbooks, and dorm items through online marketplaces.
While these platforms can provide excellent value, they can also attract fraudsters.
Be cautious if a seller:
- Refuses to meet in person when appropriate
- Requests payment outside the platform
- Creates urgency around the sale
- Has limited account history
- Provides inconsistent details about the item
When possible, use secure payment methods and trusted marketplaces that offer buyer protections.
Students Are Frequent Targets of Scammers
Students entering high school, college, trade school, or graduate programs are often managing more financial responsibilities than ever before.
Scammers may target them with:
- Fake job offers
- Scholarshipscams
- Housingscams
- Financial aidscams
- Technology-supportscams
These schemes often rely on urgency and excitement. A student eager to secure housing or earn extra income may feel pressured to act before taking time to verify the opportunity.
Pause Before You Respond
One of the most effective ways to avoid fraud is also one of the simplest: slow down.
Scammers want people to react emotionally and make quick decisions. Taking a few moments to verify a website, contact a company directly, or confirm a request can prevent significant financial loss.
As families prepare for a new school year, staying alert can help ensure your time, money, and energy are focused on what matters most—not recovering from a scam.
Important Reminder: WPCU will not text, call, or email you out of the blue asking for your password, PIN, or personal/account information.
Protecting Members Is Banking Done Wright
At Wright-Patt Credit Union, protecting your financial well-being is our top priority. If you suspect that you or an older family member has been targeted by a financial scam, please contact us immediately or visit a Member Center. For more practical resources, guides, and fraud alerts, visit WPCU.coop/stopfraud.