Students entering college this fall are true digital natives, comfortable navigating social media, online classifieds and mobile banking. That confidence, however, can create a false sense of security, making younger adults just as vulnerable to fraud as older consumers. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report shows Americans ages 20‑29 reported more than $500 million in internet‑crime losses in 2025.
Common scams targeting students and their families
Online shopping and marketplace fraud – Whether a student is furnishing a dorm, buying textbooks or purchasing everyday essentials, deals on second‑hand sites can be tempting. Scammers post fake listings or copy legitimate ads to steal deposits and payments. Always shop with reputable retailers, double‑check website URLs for misspellings, and verify the site uses https://. Treat deals that seem too good to be true with suspicion, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts that claim a “missed delivery.”
Before paying, read seller reviews and ratings. If you arrange a local pickup, meet in a public place and inspect the item before handing over cash.
Job‑search scams – Many students look for part‑time work or internships in the fall. Fraudsters post fake high‑paying positions that promise flexible schedules or remote work. If a job offer arrives via text, email or direct message without the applicant having applied, proceed cautiously. Encourage students to use well‑known job boards and apply directly through the employer’s official website. Legitimate employers never ask for upfront fees for training, equipment, background checks or applications, nor will they send money and request a portion back.
Rental and housing scams – High demand for student housing fuels fake apartment listings. Scammers may copy legitimate photos and descriptions, then request deposits via wire transfer, gift cards or peer‑to‑peer apps. Rental prices that appear unusually low should raise a red flag. Use a reverse‑image search to see if photos appear elsewhere, research unfamiliar property managers, and avoid paying deposits through untraceable methods. Always verify the address, read online reviews of the management company, and schedule an in‑person tour before signing a lease.
The growing role of artificial intelligence
AI tools now enable scammers to clone voices, create deep‑fake videos and generate convincing emails or text messages. They can impersonate family members, employers, banks, law‑enforcement agencies or trusted brands to extract money or personal data. Some even target parents directly, claiming their child is in immediate trouble and needs cash.
Practical steps to protect yourself and your children
- Limit the personal information shared online and set social‑media profiles to private whenever possible.
- When making payments, prefer credit or debit cards, which offer stronger consumer protections than wire transfers, gift cards or peer‑to‑peer apps. Treat services like Zelle as cash – once sent, recovery is difficult.
- Do not trust caller ID alone. If you receive a call demanding urgent action or claiming a problem with an account, hang up and call back using a verified phone number.
- Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unexpected emails or texts, and refrain from accessing financial accounts or making purchases on public Wi‑Fi.
- Slow down. The back‑to‑school rush creates pressure, and scammers thrive on urgency. Taking a few extra minutes to verify information can prevent costly mistakes.
Community resources
Chase conducts more than 1,000 free fraud‑prevention workshops each year across the country. This September, a workshop will be offered for college students at a local university, focusing on recognizing scams and protecting personal information during the back‑to‑school season. For additional tips, visit chase.com/scamproof.
By staying skeptical of unsolicited offers, verifying details before paying, and encouraging a deliberate, cautious approach, families can safeguard their money, identity and peace of mind throughout the school year.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
