As college students get settled in for a new year, the Better Business Bureau suggests that they watch out for these and other scams:
• Fake credit cards — Offers to apply for the first credit card are tempting to many students. Not only could this create credit problems down the road due to unchecked spending, some of the deals could be phony offers designed to get access to personal information. Research the offers from the credit card flyers as well as the banking institutions before applying.
• Scholarship and grant scams — Be wary of phone calls from companies guaranteeing they can help reduce loan payments or offer a hefty grant. Searching the company’s name online could bring up scam alerts or negative reviews from other consumers. Read reviews and complaints about the company at BBB.org and contact the school’s financial aid office for advice and help regarding financing your education. Scholarship scams can affect college students even after graduation.
• Online shopping scams — Online purchase scams were the #1 culprit for scams in 2020 attacking 18-25 year olds especially through social media platforms and apps. BBB has tips for smart shopping online.
Send your scam story to: rahnl@windomnews.com, or call 507-831-3455. Stories will appear in an upcoming edition and in a Thursday website report. By sharing your story, you may prevent others from being scammed.
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