*Receives an email*
Hey this an After College Job and we want to pay you $500 a month working online, if only you can send us these things:
Your Social Security,
Your Passport
Your Account Number and an extra $5000 dollars to get started
Click Yes for more information
I don't know about you but this definitely this sound like a scam! College is already expensive enough without throwing a scam into the mix. Yet every year, thousands of students find themselves trapped in some of the wildest, most ridiculous scams.
Don’t be the next victim of these shenanigans! Here’s a breakdown of the most common scams targeting college students and, more importantly, how to avoid getting caught in their sticky web of lies and deceit.
1. The “You’ve Won a Scholarship!” Scam
You get an email: Congratulations! You’ve been selected for a $5,000 scholarship! All you need to do is pay a small processing fee of $50... Sounds legit, right? Wrong.
How to Outsmart This Scam:
If you didn’t apply for a scholarship, it’s probably a scam. Scholarships don’t just fall out of the sky like free pizza on exam week.
Legitimate scholarships don’t require a “processing fee.” If someone’s asking for money upfront, hit delete faster than you would on that group project invite.
2. The “Too-Good-To-Be-True Job Offer” (As I Mentioned In The Beginning)
Imagine this: you’re chilling in the library, scrolling through emails, and you see a job offer for $20/hour just to sit at home and do...well, almost nothing. Sounds like a dream come true—until they ask for your bank details to “set up direct deposit.”
How to Outsmart This Scam:
Google the company and check sites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn for legitimacy. If it’s sketchier than last week’s Chinese takeout, run.
Never provide bank information or personal details to an employer before you’ve been properly vetted or had a real interview.
3. The “Fake Roommate” Housing Scam
You’re desperately hunting for a cheap off-campus apartment when you stumble upon a perfect spot—right price, great location, and the photos look like something out of a Pinterest board. There’s just one catch: the “owner” wants a deposit upfront before you even tour the place.
How to Outsmart This Scam:
Never send money without seeing the place in person or, at the very least, setting up a video tour.
Use trusted platforms for housing, and if it sounds too perfect, it probably is. I gotta be real with you: No one gets a spacious studio apartment next to campus for $200/month, sorry.
4. The “Phishy” Email from Your “University”
You get an email from what looks like your university's IT department saying, “Your account has been compromised! Please update your password here.” You click the link, and boom—your login info is now in the hands of a scammer.
How to Outsmart This Scam:
Always check the sender's email address closely. Does the email look like someone mashed the keyboard for a bit? 🚩
Go directly to your school’s official website instead of clicking links in emails. And for the love of Wi-Fi, stop using the same password for everything. (I have to keep telling myself that too so you're not alone)
5. The “We’ve Got Your Secret!” Blackmail Scam
Someone slides into your inbox claiming they have compromising information about you (they don’t), and they’ll release it unless you send money. These emails usually involve lots of ALL CAPS and threats that make your heart skip a beat.
How to Outsmart This Scam:
Don’t panic. These scams are often mass emails sent to thousands of people hoping one will bite.
Report the email, block the sender, and don’t respond—engaging with them only encourages more harassment.
6. The “Social Media Giveaway” Gone Wrong
Scrolling through Instagram, you see a post: Win a FREE MacBook! Just enter your details here. Who doesn’t love a free MacBook? Unfortunately, this is how scammers fish for personal information.
How to Outsmart This Scam:
Legitimate giveaways won’t ask for overly personal info or require payment for entry.
Stick to trusted brands or pages you know, and if you see a giveaway from a page that has more typos than a midnight essay draft, stay away.
Scam-Proof Your Student Life: Quick Tips
Use Strong Passwords: Mix it up with numbers, symbols, and the occasional “$tud3ntL1f3” reference.
Avoid Unfamiliar Links: Whether it's in emails, texts, or social media, don’t click unless you’re 100% sure it’s safe.
Keep Info Private: Don’t overshare on social media about your whereabouts, financial details, or mom’s maiden name.
Check Everything Twice: If you’re unsure, ask someone you trust—your roommate, campus IT, or even your skeptical grandma.
Final Thoughts
Scammers are getting craftier by the day, but a little knowledge goes a long way. Don’t let anyone trick you out of your hard-earned (or barely earned) cash. Keep your eyes open, double-check those emails, and remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Stay Savvy Students!
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