As the university term kicks off, many schools—elementary, central, and high—are already back in session. It’s a busy time of year.

Students are adjusting to new schedules, classes, and teachers. Meanwhile, parents are dealing with a lot: Who’s dropping the kids off tomorrow? Are the lunch accounts settled? When’s the tuition due? And do college kids have enough funds? It’s quite the juggling act.

We understand. Many families are returning to school.

But so do scammers.

This time of year is their prime opportunity, capitalizing on the chaos of new school routines, trying to get in between you and your money.

That’s why regional banks have ramped up their fraud prevention initiatives aimed at school communities throughout the year.

“We’re aware of the kinds of information people need to safeguard their finances,” explains Jeff Taylor, the local director of commercial fraud forensic medicine. “As parents ourselves, we receive the same solicitations, texts, and emails that everyone else does. Our goal is to blend our financial expertise with our fraud experience to help more people identify and steer clear of scams.”

For Parents: Protect Your Family

Watch out for fake websites and sellers. The start of a school year often means shopping for supplies, books, and gadgets. One common pitfall is falling for fake sites offering school supplies or technology at seemingly great prices, or counterfeit bookstores presenting hard-to-find textbooks. “That’s where trouble begins,” warns Taylor. “It’s crucial to buy from trusted sites. Scams thrive on deception—many times, you’ll end up with nothing.”

Be cautious on social media. Parents often use social media to connect, but not everyone has good intentions. “It’s easy to be misled,” remarks Kimberly Reese from the customer advocacy team focused on local fraud. “Social media’s purpose is to build connections, but not everyone is there with sincere motives.” Be wary when you see school-related offers or groups, and refrain from sharing personal details.

Keep an eye on your financial accounts and report anything unusual. Regularly check bank and credit card statements, or better yet, use banking apps to set up transaction alerts. This way, you can catch suspicious activities in real-time. If you come across any questionable emails, calls, or websites, make sure to report them to the FTC or your local Consumer Protection Agency swiftly. Early action can help prevent you and others from becoming victims.

For Older Students: Safeguard Yourself as You Return to School

Scammers often target students’ excitement and anxiety surrounding the new school year, offering fake financial aid, scholarships, or fraudulent housing deals.

Be cautious of financial aid fraud. Always exercise caution when receiving scholarship, grant, or loan offers that ask for upfront fees or personal information like your Social Security number or banking details. Before acting, verify financial aid info through your school’s financial aid office or a trusted scholarship site.

Protect your digital identity. Your online accounts—email, student portals, financial services—hold sensitive details. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication when possible. Avoid using the same password across platforms. Stay alert for phishing attempts: fake emails or messages masquerading as legitimate requests from schools or banks asking for account verification or personal data. When in doubt, go directly to the official website instead of clicking any links.

Keep a close watch on your finances. Just as parents are advised to monitor their accounts, students should follow suit, especially since it might be their first experience managing their finances. Setting up transaction alerts can help you detect any suspicious activity promptly.

Report unusual activities immediately. Any strange emails, calls, or unknown charges should be reported to your school’s fraud office, your bank, or the FTC right away. Quick reporting can help safeguard you and others from falling victim.

Stop. Phone. Confirm.

Take a moment to pause before you respond to requests for money, personal information, or urgent actions, especially those that come via email, text, or phone. It’s wise to call your organization directly using a known number to verify the legitimacy of the request. “If something feels off, trust your instincts. Before proceeding, take steps to verify any payment requests or alterations to existing payments,” advises Taylor. This simple caution can prevent costly mistakes and keep your family safe from fraud.

Stay vigilant and informed, allowing you to focus on your studies while keeping scammers at bay.