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Eye on Scams: Graduation scams
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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Scammers are exploiting the inexperience of recent high school and college graduates to steal their money and personal information.
Kathryn Mobley, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana, said this age group's vulnerability makes them one of the top targets for scams.
“18 to 24 is one of the top targeted populations for scams," Mobley said. "I think generally people think it’s more of an older population, but it’s not.”
With many new responsibilities, there are many new scam opportunities.
Scammers offer fake employment opportunities to those looking for a job. Mobley said red flags to look for are jobs that seem too easy, job offers for jobs you didn't apply for and unrealistic, high-paying opportunities. This is to trick job seekers into filling out a fake application with their personal information.
Mobley said one of the most common ways graduates are targeted is through student loans. Scammers offer a reduced rate or loan forgiveness, and victims pay upfront or give away sensitive personal information.
Another graduation scam is tuition related, as another way for graduates to pay the scammers directly.
“They're targeting the students or the parents and saying, ‘Oh, well, you have unpaid tuition,'" Mobley said. "'If you don't pay it, we're going to revoke your degree.’"
Moving scams are also common.
“Moving typically costs a good amount of money to pay someone to do that," Mobley said. "So, people are paying for it, and then they just don't show up.”
They'll even pretend to rent apartments and homes to get graduates to pay for properties they will never be able to move into, which is a common scam.
Here's how graduates can avoid these scams:
- Know the terms of your student loans. Understand what kind of interest you owe and when you need to start paying to protect yourself from believing loan forgiveness scams.
- Be wary of unsolicited messages about unpaid tuition. Take caution from anyone who contacts you out of the blue demanding money. Call your school's bursar office with any payment questions.
- Do research before accepting jobs or job interviews. Google the company and the person you are in contact with to confirm they are legitimate.
- Don't accept every gift offer. Never offer payment information to "claim" a gift or special discount.
- Beware of moving and rental scams. Don't pay more money than you were quoted for or pay for property you haven't seen in person. Check the BBB to find Accredited movers.