• Mou Mou
• 18 Feb, 2025

As school admission season begins cybercriminals are setting up new traps to dupe parents. Fake social media ads and fraudulent scholarship offers are being used to steal money and sensitive information. If you’re not careful you could fall victim to these scams. Here’s how to protect yourself.

How Scammers Are Tricking Parents

With school admissions underway parents are busy selecting schools and shopping for supplies. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of this by launching fake online stores and scholarship scams to trick unsuspecting individuals.

- Fake Online Stores: Fraudsters advertise school supplies books and admission-related services at unbelievably low prices. Clicking on these ads leads to malicious websites that steal money and data.

- Scholarship & Loan Scams: Scammers offer fake scholarships grants or loans to lure parents into sharing personal details which they use for identity theft and financial fraud.

- Phishing Emails & Messages: Emails or texts with too good to be true offers trick people into clicking malicious links leading to stolen passwords and financial losses.

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How to Stay Safe from These Scams

1. Verify Websites: Always check the legitimacy of an online store before making a purchase.

2. Check URLs Carefully: Scammers often use fake URLs with slight spelling errors to mislead users.

3. Avoid Unverified Social Media Ads: Do not fall for suspicious ads that promise huge discounts or special admissions.

4. Confirm Loan & Scholarship Offers: If someone offers a loan or scholarship verify their identity before sharing any information.

5. Don’t Click on Unknown Emails or Messages: Clicking on suspicious links can lead to malware installation and data theft.

6. Report Cyber Fraud Immediately: If you suspect fraud contact cybercrime authorities by calling 1930 for help.

School admissions are a crucial time for parents but scammers are turning it into an opportunity to deceive people. Stay alert, verify sources and never share personal or financial information with unknown entities. Protect yourself and your hard earned money from cyber fraud.