Back-to-School Scams Are on the Rise. Here’s How to Protect Yourself.

The start of a new school year is an exciting time. Families are shopping for school supplies, buying new clothes, paying activity fees, ordering laptops, and checking off long to-do lists before the first day of class.

Unfortunately, scammers know exactly how busy this season can be.

Every year, fraud attempts increase during back-to-school shopping as criminals look for opportunities to catch people when they’re distracted or in a hurry. They know you’re expecting package deliveries, making online purchases, and receiving emails from schools, teachers, and organizations.

The good news? Most scams can be avoided by slowing down for just a moment before clicking a link, sending money, or sharing personal information.

Here are a few of the most common scams to watch for this back-to-school season.

Fake School Emails

Scammers have become very good at making emails look legitimate.

You may receive a message that appears to come from your child’s school, a PTA organization, a booster club, or even a teacher. The email may ask you to pay a registration fee, purchase supplies, contribute to a fundraiser, or update your payment information.

Before entering your debit card number or clicking a payment link, pause.

If the request seems unusual, or even if it looks legitimate, consider contacting the school directly using a phone number or website you already know is authentic.

A quick phone call can prevent an expensive mistake.

Online Shopping Deals That Are Too Good to Be True

Everyone loves saving money on school supplies, electronics, and clothing.

Scammers know this and often create fake online stores advertising unbelievable prices on popular brands or high-demand items.

The website may look professional. The photos may be convincing. You may even receive an order confirmation.

But the merchandise never arrives.

Before purchasing from an unfamiliar website:

• Look for customer reviews.
• Check that the website address begins with “https.”
• Be cautious of prices that seem dramatically lower than other retailers.
• Consider using a credit card for online purchases when appropriate, as it may offer additional protections.

If something feels too good to be true, it usually is.

Scholarship Scams

For families with college students, scholarship scams become especially common this time of year.

A scammer may promise to “guarantee” scholarship money if you simply pay a processing fee or provide personal information.

Remember this simple rule:

Legitimate scholarship programs do not require you to pay money to receive money.

If someone asks for payment before awarding financial aid, it’s a strong sign that something isn’t right.

Text Message Scams

Text message scams (sometimes called “smishing”) continue to grow every year.

You might receive a text claiming:

• Your child’s school account needs immediate attention.
• A package couldn’t be delivered.
• You owe an activity or registration fee.
• Your financial account needs to be verified.

These messages often create a false sense of urgency because scammers want you to act before you have time to think.

Instead of clicking the link, go directly to the organization’s official website or contact them using a trusted phone number.

Marketplace Scams

Many families buy used laptops, calculators, sports equipment, musical instruments, or furniture before the school year begins.

Online marketplaces can be a great way to save money, but they can also attract scammers.

Whenever possible:

• Meet in a public location.
• Inspect the item before paying.
• Avoid paying with gift cards or wire transfers.
• Be cautious of sellers who insist on shipping after receiving payment.

Trust your instincts. If the transaction doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away.

Protect Your Financial Information

One of the easiest ways to reduce fraud is by staying connected to your accounts.

Setting up account alerts allows you to know when purchases are made or money leaves your account. Reviewing your transactions regularly also helps you catch unauthorized activity quickly.

The sooner fraud is identified, the sooner it can be addressed.

Simple habits like using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions also go a long way toward protecting your personal information.

When in Doubt, Ask

One of the greatest advantages of banking with a local credit union is having real people you can call when something doesn’t seem right.

If you ever receive a suspicious email, text message, phone call, or payment request involving your finances, don’t feel like you have to figure it out on your own.

Sometimes a quick conversation can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

At Old Ocean Federal Credit Union, helping members protect their financial well-being is just as important as helping them achieve it. If you have questions about suspicious activity on your account, think you’ve encountered a scam, or simply want a second opinion before sending money, we’re here to help.

A Little Caution Goes a Long Way

Back-to-school season should be filled with excitement—not fraud.

By slowing down, asking questions, and taking a moment to verify unexpected requests, you can avoid many of the scams that target families this time of year.

As your local credit union, we’re committed to helping you make informed financial decisions and protect what you’ve worked hard to earn.

From all of us at Old Ocean Federal Credit Union, we hope you and your family have a safe, successful, and scam-free school year.