4 Back-to-School Scams Illinois College Students Need to Beware Of

With the start of the new academic year, college students in Illinois are embarking on a new chapter in their lives. Unfortunately, this exciting transition also makes them prime targets for online scammers.

Teach Your Kids About Scammers

For most people, starting the first year of college comes with a hot mess of emotions. I know I was excited, stressed, terrified, homesick, and worried all at the same time, but thankfully all those emotions simmer down once you get used to the new life chapter. Online scammers were not something I had to worry about in college, but today's college students certainly do.

Darius Kingsley, managing director and head of consumer business practices for Chase Bank, recently told USA TODAY;

Scammers prey on moments when we are busy and most vulnerable. Back-to-school is a great moment to speak with kids and young adults about ways to protect themselves as they launch into the world, and engage on shopping and online activity for back to school.

Online Scams College Students Need to Beware Of

If you thought senior citizens are typically the largest target of online scammers, that's not actually true. Young adults ages 18-24 are just as vulnerable due to how much time they spend on social media, so the time is NOW to warn your kids about 4 scams they need to be on the look out for:

1. Textbook Scams - If you see an "awesome" deal for a textbook on online marketplaces, make sure you verify the site and the seller before you hand over the money. It may cost more, but buying textbooks in person at the college bookstore is usually the safest option.
2. Scholarship Scams - College tuition is expensive, but if you receive an UNSOLICITED email or social media message offering you tuition money that requires you to pay an application fee first, DON'T DO IT!
3. Job Scams - Scammers know many college students look for jobs close to campus to make some extra cash, so they send out messages claiming to be hiring recruiters that promise positions with short hours, high pay,remote work, and sometimes even hiring bonuses. If you need a job on campus, attend a career fair, and don't click any links in a suspicious job offer.
4. Housing Scams - Many college students start looking for next year's housing early, and if you see a rental listing that looks both amazing and too cheap to true, don't sign anything or send any money until you see the place and meet the landlord in person.

By being aware of these common scams and taking precautions, students can help to protect themselves and their fellow classmates from falling victim to online fraud, which could be one of the most valuable lessons they will learn this school year.