BBB Warns Illinois Shoppers About Fake Online Back-to-School Deals

Back-to-school season means shopping for supplies, figuring out housing, dealing with tuition and trying to get everything organized before classes start.  Unfortunately, it's also prime time for scammers to target Illinois students and parents.

The BBB is warning, once again, about scammers that are using convincing online offers and messages to make these scams look completely real.  Here are four to watch out for.

FAKE SHOPPING ADS

See an amazing deal on a laptop, tablet, or school supplies while scrolling social media?  Be careful.  Scammers can create fake ads featuring deeply discounted products that lead you to lookalike online stores.  You might never receive the item, and worse, the site could steal your payment information.

BOGUS HOUSING LISTINGS

Students who are still looking for affordable apartments near campus can be easy targets.  Scammer post fake rental listings with photos and prices that seem like a great deal, then ask for deposit through wire transfer.

STUDENT LOAN FRAUD

I know plenty of people still trying to apply for school loans.  Scammers pretend to be the government or your actual loan servicer.  Never pay someone just because they promise special access to loan relief!

PHISHING EMAILS

That email that looks too good to be true? Yeah, it probably it.  If it looks like it came from your school's financial aid office or billing department, it probably didn't.  These scammers use fake messages to steal your login information or trick you into sending tuition payments.

The big rule: SLOW DOWN BEFORE YOUR CLICK, PAY, OR PROVIDE ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION.