As the back-to-school season nears, parents and students are gearing up to purchase everything from notebooks to laptops. However, this time of year also brings out scammers looking to take advantage of eager shoppers. Back-to-school scams, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, pose a significant threat, especially with more people shopping online and relying on digital resources. According to a recent segment on Good Morning America, VISA reported that they have seen a 71% uptick in chatter on the dark web related to back-to-school scams. Below, we’ve outlined four common back-to-school shopping scams you should be aware of, along with tips to protect yourself.
1 Clickbait and Copycat Websites Targeting Back-to-School Shoppers
One of the most common scams during the back-to-school season involves clickbait and copycat websites. These fraudulent sites often mimic popular retail websites, offering enticing deals that are hard to resist. The layout, logos, and even product descriptions on these sites are designed to look almost identical to legitimate retailers, making it difficult for unsuspecting shoppers to tell the difference.
Once you’ve entered your payment information, you risk losing money. Your personal data could also be compromised. Some of these websites might even deliver counterfeit or low-quality products; in many cases, you might not receive anything at all.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Double-Check the URL: Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to scrutinize the website’s URL. Scammers often use slightly altered domain names, such as adding an extra letter or changing “.com” to “.net.” This simple step can help you avoid falling for clickbait and copycat websites.
- Research the Site: If you’re unfamiliar with a website, take a few minutes to search for reviews or any potential complaints. Websites like the Better Business Bureau can provide valuable insights.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Always opt for payment methods that offer protection, such as credit cards. Avoid using direct bank transfers or debit cards on unfamiliar sites.
2 Fake Apps Targeting Back-to-Schoolers
As students and parents increasingly rely on apps for everything from scheduling to studying, scammers have taken notice. Fake apps designed to look like popular educational tools or shopping platforms are lurking in app stores. These apps often collect personal information, bombard users with ads, or even infect devices with malware.
Some of these fake apps are designed to look like popular back-to-school resources, offering everything from discounted supplies to free educational content. Once installed, they might prompt you to enter sensitive information or direct you to phishing websites.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Stick to Official App Stores: Download apps only from trusted sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play. Avoid downloading apps from third-party sites or links sent via email or social media.
- Check Reviews and Ratings: Before downloading an app, check its reviews and ratings. A legitimate app will typically have a substantial number of reviews. A fake app might have very few or suspiciously glowing reviews.
- Look at the Developer: Always out the app developer. If it’s a well-known brand or company, you’re likely safe. If the developer’s name looks unfamiliar or slightly off, proceed with caution.
3 Social Media Ads Offering “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Scrolling through social media, you might come across ads offering incredible back-to-school deals, such as laptops at unbelievably low prices. While some of these deals might be legitimate, many are scams designed to lure in bargain hunters. These ads often redirect you to fake websites where you’re asked to enter your payment information. Once the transaction is complete, you may never receive the product, or you might receive something different from what was advertised.
These social back-to-school shopping scams are particularly dangerous because they often appear on reputable social media platforms, making them seem more credible. Scammers use eye-catching visuals and persuasive language to convince you to click before you think.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Question Unrealistic Prices: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of any deals that seem unusually cheap compared to the market value.
- Research the Seller: Before purchasing through a social media ad, it’s essential to thoroughly research the seller. Look for reviews, a contact page, and clear information about return policies. This precaution can help you avoid falling for social media back-to-school shopping scams.
- Avoid Clicking on Ads Directly: Instead of clicking on the ad, go directly to the retailer’s official website to verify the deal.
4 Bait and Switch Scams
Bait and switch scams are a classic but effective tactic scammers use, particularly during the back-to-school season. These scams typically involve advertising a desirable product, such as a brand-name laptop, at a very low price. Once you show interest, the scammer will inform you that the product is out of stock and offer you a lower-quality substitute at the same price.
In some cases, you might receive a product entirely different from what was advertised, often of much lower quality. By the time you realize you’ve been scammed, the seller is usually untraceable, and you’re left with a product that isn’t worth what you paid.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Insist on Seeing the Product First: Request to see the product before making a payment. This is particularly important for high-ticket items like electronics.
- Be Wary of Last-Minute Substitutions: If a seller tries to push you into accepting a different product than what was advertised, consider it a red flag and walk away.
- Read Return Policies: Before making a purchase, carefully read the return and exchange policies. A legitimate seller will have clear guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Stay alert for back-to-school shopping scams that can turn a shopping spree into a nightmare. By following these tips and being aware of the common tactics used by scammers, you can protect yourself and your family from falling victim to these schemes. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when in doubt. Stay safe and shop smart!
Stay up to date on the latest cams by reading the Benchmark FCU blog each month. Read our recent blog, “Identify a Debt Collection Scam Before It’s Too Late.”