The first day of school is just around the corner and the rush to gather the necessary supplies at the best prices is in full swing. We want you to be prepared and ready for any scams that come your way. With the list below, we highlight a couple ways scammers may utilize the Back to School season or your personal information to steal your money. Follow the list and get prepared for anything.
SCAM OFFERS
If a discount on school supplies seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers use the Back to School season to attack vulnerable parents looking for deals. Before you click, ensure the validity of the offer with these steps:
- Verify the Source
Ensure the coupon/offer is coming from a reputable source by checking the retailer’s site or doing some light research on the location the offer is coming from. A quick Google search of the source of the offer and the results can quickly show if this is a legitimate offer. - Be wary of surveys
Never provide sensitive information to receive a discount, it may not be a legitimate discount. Plus, your sensitive information may be sold to scammers and data brokers. - Check the URL
Ensure the site has an https:// and the domain is familiar to you. For example, if you think you’re getting a discount at Best Buy, ensure the URL is correct, secured and doesn’t have any additional characters like best-buy.com. - Get a Security Software
It can feel like a full time job to make sure you aren’t getting scammed, it can be worthwhile to invest in security software. At CMIT Solutions I-270, we can help you find the right software for you and keep your information safe.
SCAM CALLS
If your child is enrolled in any classes or programs that require payment, scammers may try to call and impersonate an official claiming you have a late payment or owe money. In the event of this type of call, hang up and get the official phone number directly from the source, their website or a business card. Call the official number and confirm if there is an issue. This can extend beyond school programs, scammers have been known to impersonate the student loan lenders, your bank, or insurance. It’s always good practice to not panic and ensure the source is legitimate.
IMPERSONATION CALLS
In the same vein, scammers may try to impersonate a family member attempting to harvest money by claiming they are in danger or lost. The goal is to get you to panic and send over whatever you can to help.
- Set Up a Secret Code
To keep your family and your money safe, set up a family secret code/word to use in case of emergencies. This is ultimately the easiest way to ensure safety and preparedness in case of an emergency. - Look Out for Odd Money Requests
In the event you don’t have a safe code and this happens, look out for the odd ways scammers may try to get money. If they are asking for specific gift cards or wire transfers, this should set off alarm bells.
SHARING YOUR CHILD’S INFO ONLINE
The first day of school is exciting for your child and you! You might be tempted to take a photo of them in their new outfit with all the information about your child’s school and interests. But this information is valuable and can give scammers hints about the security questions that are utilized to log into your sensitive accounts. Always double check the information you are presenting on social media.
Scams happen all year round not only during back to school season. It’s important to keep your eyes peeled and ready for whatever may come your way. Keep these final thoughts in mind and you will be prepared:
- Always verify the source. If it’s online, make sure the URL is secure and familiar. If on the phone, always call the verified phone number of the organization to clarify the issue.
- Be wary of offers too good to be true. If it seems too good, it probably is.
- Look out for red flags. Classic red flags for scams are incorrect grammar, low resolution imagery, and a panic inducing urgency.
- Upgrade your security software to have a second line of defense if anything slips through the cracks. Contact us today to get your security software in check!
