TL;DR: The lead-up to the new school year, typically August into early September, brings a spike in scams as parents shop for supplies, register for classes, and search for scholarships or financial aid under time pressure. Buy school supplies from established retailers, and remember that legitimate scholarships and federal financial aid never require an upfront payment to apply or to guarantee an award.
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The lead-up to the new school year, typically August into early September, brings a spike in scams as parents shop for supplies, register for classes, and search for scholarships or financial aid under time pressure.
How the Scam Plays Out
Fake supply and electronics retailers advertise steep discounts on backpacks and laptops, while bogus scholarship and financial-aid services charge upfront fees for applications that are actually free through the school or government.
How to Protect Yourself
Buy school supplies from established retailers, and remember that legitimate scholarships and federal financial aid never require an upfront payment to apply or to guarantee an award.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Open Enrollment 401(k) and Benefits Scams.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Black Friday and Cyber Monday Scams to Avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does this typically happen?
The lead-up to the new school year, typically August into early September, brings a spike in scams as parents shop for supplies, register for classes, and search for scholarships or financial aid under time pressure.
What tactics are used?
Fake supply and electronics retailers advertise steep discounts on backpacks and laptops, while bogus scholarship and financial-aid services charge upfront fees for applications that are actually free through the school or government.
How can I protect myself?
Buy school supplies from established retailers, and remember that legitimate scholarships and federal financial aid never require an upfront payment to apply or to guarantee an award.
What should I do if I’ve already been targeted?
Stop all payments immediately, contact your bank or card issuer to see if a transaction can be reversed or flagged, and report the incident to the appropriate consumer protection body.