NY Warns Students of Back-to-School Scams – NBC New York

NEW YORK — Many students will return to college, career or graduate programs in a few weeks and New York State warns they may be easy targets for scammers as many are away from home for the first time, start browsing for help finance or even build credit.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) provides guidance on how to start this new academic year safely with specific security and scam prevention tips that can help you during this transition.

The state is home to nearly 300 higher education institutions, the second highest in the country. Entering students have many decisions to make at the beginning of the academic year, and while making decisions independently is exciting, dealing with new situations can be challenging.

“The best way for college students to avoid textbook, scholarship or rental scams is to stay informed. This is an exciting time as students, often on their own for the first time, learn to balance their freedom and responsibilities. This newfound independence makes them targets for fraudsters,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodríguez, who oversees the State Department and its Consumer Protection Division. “The goal of the Division of Consumer Protection is to educate students and equip them with the knowledge to protect themselves against identity theft, scams and other safety prevention tips.”

SCAM PREVENTION TIPS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS:

Protect yourself from common scams targeting students

• Grants, Subsidies or False Loans: The documentation required to apply for financial aid is the FAFSA form and it is completely free. Visit the FAFSA government website directly and do not trust anyone who offers guarantees or pre-approvals for loans or grants.
• Unpaid Tuition Scam: Ignore calls claiming you will be dropped from all classes unless you pay your tuition immediately over the phone. Always call the school treasurer’s office directly to check the status of your account. Schools usually send an invoice to alert students about the status of the account.
• Fake job offers or internships: Never pay an up-front fee to move through an interview process or provide too much personal information, such as your SSN, during the application or interview process.
• Buy books online: Scammers create fake websites and offer great deals on expensive textbooks only to never deliver the textbooks, leaving the student with no cash and no textbook. Learn how to identify fake website listings for textbooks and supplies. Before you buy, do your research and confirm that it is a reliable source. Pay attention to contact information and return policies. Legitimate sites provide a physical address and working phone number in the contact section.
• Roommate/rental scam: Scammers pose as individuals selling or renting property or as someone on behalf of the property owner. Prospective tenants are then solicited for money in exchange for promises that the houses will be shown or rented to them once payment is complete. The scam is carried out when there is no house for sale, or the property is already occupied.
• Credit cards: If you’re applying for a credit card for the first time, do your own research. Students are often the target of deceptive credit card offers that could be a veiled attempt at identity theft or may charge exorbitant annual fees and interest rates.

protects of identity theft:

• understand the consequences: Higher education students are at high risk of identity theft, but you can minimize these risks by protecting yourself and keeping your information private. It is important that you understand the consequences of identity theft. Criminals can use your personal information to create a false identity and open new accounts or loans in your name. Restoring credit and correcting false information can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it’s best to prevent it before it happens.
• Keep all personally identifiable information private: Whether in a bedroom, online or in any social situation, keep all information and documents containing personal information private and protected. Personally Identifiable Information it is information that, when used alone or with other relevant data, can identify an individual.
  • Always remember to keep a close eye on your social security number (SSN) and ask why it’s needed before you decide to share it. Organizations often include the SSN application as a formality and may not be required. Ask if you can use a different type of identifier.
  • Personal documents, check stubs, credit card statements and other personal documents should always be locked away.
  • When searching for and applying for student loans or other financial aid applications, never share personal information over the phone or online unless you have initiated the contact.
  • Shred pre-approved credit card offers and bills before disposing of them.
• Practice online safety:
  • Social media is a great place to connect with friends or catch up on the latest viral trend, but remember to keep a few secrets to yourself. Social media posts often inadvertently reveal sensitive information. Cybercriminals look for content that may reveal answers to security questions used to reset passwords, making accounts vulnerable to identity theft.
  • Avoid downloading free music, games, or apps. Free downloads come at a price: identity theft. Free apps, music, and games are often contaminated with keylogging malware.
  • Avoid using WIFI/public computer to shop online or pay bills.
  • Monitor privacy settings on all online accounts.
  • Before you throw away your old laptop or smartphone, protect your data so it doesn’t end up in the hands of an identity thief. For tips on how to protect your data before disposing of your devices, check out the information in this article from the Federal Trade Commission.
  • For more tips on staying safe online, check out the information in this Consumer Alert for January 2020.

SAFETY TIPS AT SCHOOL:

Security in college dorms

For those living on campus this fall, there are safety precautions to be aware of, especially for first-time residential students. Fires are one of the greatest dangers; the National Fire Protection Association reports that fire departments responded to more than 3,000 fires in dorms, sororities, fraternities, and other related structures between 2015 and 2019. Be sure to check your dorm for fire hazards and more, and be aware the following information at hand:

• Locate smoke and carbon monoxide alarms inside your dorm room or off-campus housing. Verify or obtain assurance that all alarms are working properly. Participate in any necessary safety demonstrations on campus.
• Check that sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers are working. Those most at risk are those staying in off-campus housing, where these systems are not regulated by the university.
• Locate the closest emergency exits. Make a note of where to go if there is an emergency.
• Never overload outlets with too many power demands to prevent fires. Students with laptops, televisions, mini-fridges, and more can overload the outlet and start a fire.
• Review the emergency plan in case of fire or carbon monoxide leak. Make sure everyone in the room knows where to meet and what to do in an emergency. Remember to call 9-1-1 in any emergency and follow the security protocol.

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