Young adults are increasingly targeted by fraud, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that people ages 20‑29 lost about $490 million to scams in the past year. Recognizing the threat to its student body, the University of Tampa has launched a new partnership with Chase Bank to teach practical scam‑prevention skills on campus.
Local collaboration to combat fraud
Professors from the university’s business and communications departments joined forces with Leigh Weaver, community manager at Chase, to host a series of workshops for students. The sessions focus on common fraud tactics that target college‑age individuals, such as bogus scholarship offers, fake rental listings, and fraudulent job applications.
“Scammers often use social‑media ads that promise unrealistic returns or claim they can erase student‑loan debt,” Weaver explained. “When something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. They also try to harvest personal information through fake job postings or rental applications.”
What students can do
Experts stress the importance of verification. Students are urged to confirm any offer directly with the company, agency, or bank involved before providing personal data. If a call, text, or social‑media message seems suspicious, the recommended response is to contact the organization through an official channel or discuss the matter with a trusted family member or friend.
Additional tips include:
- Never share Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords with unknown parties.
- Check the legitimacy of scholarship or grant emails by visiting the official website of the institution offering them.
- Use reputable rental platforms and verify the landlord’s identity before sending money.
- Research prospective employers on the Better Business Bureau or the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.
Why the initiative matters
The FTC’s data underscores a growing problem: while seniors have long been a focus of fraud prevention efforts, younger adults are now a prime target for sophisticated scams that exploit digital channels. By equipping students with the tools to recognize and report fraud, the university and Chase hope to reduce the financial harm experienced by the campus community.
University officials note that the partnership aligns with the school’s broader mission to prepare students for responsible citizenship and financial stewardship. “We want our graduates to enter the workforce not only with academic knowledge but also with the practical life skills needed to protect themselves and their families,” said a university spokesperson.
Continuing education
The workshops will be offered each semester, with plans to expand the program to include faculty training and community outreach events. Chase Bank has pledged ongoing support, providing resources and expert speakers to keep the curriculum current with emerging fraud trends.
Students interested in attending the next session can sign up through the university’s student affairs portal or contact the campus financial‑literacy office for more information.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
