It’s no secret that scams targeting college and graduate students are prime targets. With so much going on in their lives, it can be easy to overlook the warning signs of a scam. But being aware of the most common scams targeting college and graduate students is key to protecting yourself from fraud. Let’s look at some of the more common scams targeting college and graduate students and what you should do if you suspect that you or someone you know has been targeted.

Student Financial Service Scam: This scam typically involves an offer for scholarships, grants, or financial aid services. The student will be contacted by phone, mail, or email with a great offer but is asked to provide personal information or pay upfront fees to proceed. These fees are usually requested as gift cards or money wires. If you receive one of these offers, always ask questions and verify the legitimacy before providing any information or making a payment.

The Unpaid Tuition Scam: In this scam, the student (or parents) receives a call claiming that tuition bills have not been paid yet, and payment needs to be made immediately without affecting the student’s enrollment status. Never make a hasty payment without verifying with your school’s financial aid office whether this is true. If they confirm there is an unpaid tuition bill, they will be able to assist in making a payment as required. Never provide personal information unless your school’s financial aid office requests it because scammers may use it to access your accounts later. Always stay vigilant when dealing with anything related to money!

The Job Offer Scam: Thes scams targeting college and graduate students looking for work after college or those who want extra cash during school breaks. They are contacted by email or phone, offering them jobs such as customer service representatives, data entry clerks, and other positions that require minimal qualifications and experience but pay very well compared to similar jobs in the job market today. When accepting a job offer like this, always ask questions and research before committing to anything – especially if it requires payment upfront (for “training materials”). Also, never provide any personal information until you’ve done your research and confirmed the legitimacy of the company offering the position. Don’t forget that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

No matter who you are or where you come from, scammers target everyone – especially vulnerable groups like college and grad students who may not have sufficient resources readily available to protect themselves against fraudsters preying on unsuspecting victims online or through emails/phone calls, etc. Remember – no legitimate company would ever ask for payment upfront for “training materials,” so if anyone contacts you are requesting money in return for employment opportunities, chances are it’s a scam! Stay informed about new scams targeting college graduates – knowledge is power! Be smart – don’t let yourself become another victim of fraudsters! Verified Safe Cyber Security Solutions Protecting America Through Technology.