As the back-to-school season approaches, families prepare for new supplies, clothes and tech, but scammers also gear up to exploit this busy time. Protecting yourself from back-to-school fraud requires vigilance and smart practices to safeguard personal and financial information.
Be cautious when shopping online: Stick to reputable retailers and avoid deals that seem too good to be true, as they often hide phishing scams or counterfeit products. Always verify website security, look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser. Use credit cards for payments, as they offer better fraud protection than debit cards or direct bank transfers.
Watch for scholarship and financial aid scams: Fraudsters may pose as legitimate organizations, promising grants for a fee. Never share personal details, such as Social Security numbers or bank information, without verifying the source. Check with schools or trusted databases, such as the U.S. Department of Education, for legitimate opportunities.
Protect your devices: Students often receive new laptops or tablets, which are prime targets for hackers. Install reputable antivirus software, update systems regularly and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Teach kids to recognize suspicious emails or texts that may trick them into sharing login credentials.
Monitor accounts closely: Regularly check bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Set up alerts for unusual activity and report suspected fraud immediately. By staying proactive and informed, families can enjoy a safe and secure back-to-school season.
At Alpine Bank, we take your financial security seriously, additional fraud and prevention resources can be found at alpinebank.com/fraud-prevention.
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