Back-to-school season is busy for everyone. Whether you’re helping kids pack backpacks, scrolling for tech deals, or just caught up in the September rush, your guard can slip.
Scammers love that moment. They send texts or give calls that sound urgent (their favorite tactic), create fake websites that look real, and pressure you into quick clicks. Their whole strategy is simple: to catch you distracted.
In today’s guide, we’ll look at the 5 scams popping up most often right now — and the exact steps you can take to stop them before they stop you.
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Why Back-to-School Season Is Prime Time for Scammers
Scammers are opportunists. They don’t just make things up out of thin air — they piggyback on real events and routines. Back-to-school season is one of their favorites because:
- It’s hectic. Families are adjusting to new schedules, new teachers, and new bills.
- It involves money. Fees, supplies, tech purchases, and donations all open doors for fake requests.
- It’s emotional. Nobody wants a child to miss out, so urgency works especially well.
- It affects everyone. Parents, grandparents, even caring neighbors may receive calls or messages about “helping with school needs.”
That mix of stress, spending, and emotion creates the perfect opening for scammers — that’s why it’s so important to know the tricks they use before they use them on you.
Scam #1. Fake School Fee or Donation Requests
How it works: You get an email or text that looks like it’s from a school administrator. It says you need to pay registration fees, activity costs, or make a “mandatory donation.” Sometimes it’s framed as urgent: “Your child will not be allowed to attend until payment is made.”
Why it works: Schools really do send payment reminders this time of year. That’s why people don’t question it.
How to spot it:
- The message comes by text or social media DM (schools almost never use these for payments).
- The email address looks weird (e.g., john.smith.schoolfees@gmail.com instead of an official .edu or district domain).
- The wording is threatening or overly urgent.
What to do:
- Call the school office directly using the number on their official website.
- Bookmark the official school payment portal — only pay through that.
- Don’t click links in texts or emails that arrive out of the blue.
Remember: If you didn’t expect the request, it’s safer to double-check than to pay in a panic.
Scam #2. Suspicious Laptop or School Supply Deals
How it works: You see an online ad for “Back-to-School Tech Blowout.” A brand-new laptop for $199? A tablet for $49? It feels like a steal. The website looks almost professional — until your money disappears and no package arrives.
Why it works: Back-to-school season is expensive. A cheap deal feels like relief. Plus, scammers make sites look convincing with stolen logos and fake reviews.
Red flags to watch for:
- Prices that are far below market value.
- Only email contact — no phone number or address.
- Misspelled URLs (BestBiy.com, Amaz0nSale.net).
- Payment requested by gift card, wire transfer, or Zelle.
Safer steps:
- Stick to known retailers (Best Buy, Target, Walmart, or directly from Apple, Dell, etc.).
- If you find a deal from a new store, search the name plus “scam” or “reviews” before buying.
- Always use a credit card (better fraud protection than debit or transfers).
Remember: If it looks too good to be true, it’s not a deal — it’s bait.
Scam #3. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
How it works: You receive a call: “This is the Student Loan Department. You’re eligible for immediate forgiveness, but you must confirm your Social Security number and pay a $99 processing fee today.”
Why it works: Student loan forgiveness has been all over the news. Scammers use that confusion, knowing many families are desperate for financial relief.
Red flags to spot:
- Calls or emails from “The Student Loan Department” (no such agency exists).
- Requests for upfront fees.
- Pressure to act immediately.
What to do:
- Only use the official site: studentaid.gov.
- Hang up if someone calls you unexpectedly — loan servicers rarely call without prior contact.
- Never give your Social Security number or bank info to unsolicited callers.
Remember: Loan forgiveness is real — but the process is always free and handled through .gov websites.
Scam #4. Fake Tutoring or Scholarship Offers
How it works: You get an ad promising guaranteed scholarships or tutoring packages that “unlock your child’s potential.” The catch? You must pay upfront or provide sensitive information to “secure your spot.”
Why it works: Education feels like an investment. People don’t want to miss out on scholarships or fall behind academically.
Common traps:
- “Guaranteed” scholarships that require a fee (legitimate scholarships never guarantee money).
- Tutors with no verifiable credentials.
- Websites that ask for a child’s full personal details before even offering a program.
Safe alternatives:
- Use free scholarship search tools like Fastweb or the College Board.
- Ask for references and credentials before hiring tutors.
- Pay through reputable platforms, not direct bank transfers.
Remember: Education is priceless, but real opportunities never require risky shortcuts.
Scam #5. Imposter “School Official” Calls
How it works: Your phone rings. The caller ID is “blocked.” A voice says: “This is the school nurse. Your child is sick and needs medicine, but we can’t treat them until you provide payment.” Or: “This is the principal. Your grandchild is in trouble — pay now to resolve it.”
Why it works: Fear. Nobody wants a child to suffer or get in trouble. The urgency makes people bypass logic.
How to recognize it:
- Call comes from a blocked or unknown number.
- The caller demands gift cards or wire transfers.
- The story is emotional but vague.
What to do:
- Hang up and call the school directly.
- Never give financial or personal info to an unknown caller.
- If you’re really concerned, verify through a trusted contact.
Remember: Schools don’t demand payment over the phone, and they certainly don’t ask for gift cards.
Your Quick Back-to-School Scam Safety Check
Before you respond to any school-related message, ask:
- Was I expecting this? If it’s unexpected, be cautious.
- Do I know who sent it? Verify sender addresses, numbers, or URLs.
- Am I being rushed? Pressure is a classic scam tactic.
If any answer feels off, pause. Verify before acting.
Final Takeaway
Back-to-school isn’t just for kids — it’s a reminder that we’re all still learning. The lessons here are both for you and for the people you care about.
This season, treat digital safety like you would a good habit: as routine as buckling up a seatbelt. The more you practice, the stronger your defenses get. And when you share that habit with others, you’re not just protecting yourself — you’re building a safer environment for everyone.
At Futureproof, Kevin makes online safety feel human with clear steps, real examples, and zero fluff. He holds a degree in information technology and studies fraud trends to keep his tips up-to-date.
In his free time, Kevin plays with his cat, enjoys board-game nights, and hunts for New York’s best cinnamon rolls.
