Most high school around our area are now back in session; colleges will soon follow.  If you are an incoming freshman or a returning college student, be aware that according to a new study conducted by BBB® millennials are more likely to be scammed than baby boomers.  Your BBB would like to point out just a few of the scams that may be targeting college students.

Roommate/Rental scheme – If you post an ad for a roommate online, beware of potential roommates who indicate they are out of the country, but can provide the rent upfront in the form of a money order or check.  Typically, that check or money order, when received, will be for an amount higher than the rental payment. At that time, you are asked to cash it, and wire the overage back.  Eventually the check will bounce and you will be out the money you wired and any fees owed to the bank.

Employment – Watch out for ads that pop up near campus offering jobs with “no experience necessary.” Interviews in a hotel lobby, requirements to sign a contract or having to pay for everything, including training, travel, lodging, food, etc. associated with the job, are all red flags that may indicate that the offer is not genuine.

Scholarships/Grants – Scholarship finding services may “guarantee” grants or scholarships. Often, they will sell lists of potential scholarship or grant opportunities to students; however, most financial aid that is available comes from the federal government or from individual colleges.  You can view their information for free by visiting grants.gov or the college’s website.

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