Scammers Shift Focus to Parents of School Children
Parents Be Aware: Scammers Target School Children and Their Families
In a disturbing new trend, scammers are increasingly targeting parents of school children. These criminals use various tactics to trick parents into giving up their personal information, money, or both.
One common scam involves the use of fake school websites. These websites look authentic but are actually designed to collect sensitive information such as names, addresses, and credit card numbers.
Tips for Parents to Protect Themselves and Their Children:
- Be wary of any unsolicited emails or phone calls from schools or organizations claiming to represent schools.
- Never click on links in emails or text messages from unknown senders.
- If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a website, visit the school's official website directly by typing the address into your browser.
- Talk to your children about online safety and warn them not to give out personal information to anyone they don't know.
- Report any suspicious activity to the school and law enforcement authorities.
Types of Scams Targeting Parents
Scammers use various methods to target parents, including:
These websites look authentic but are actually designed to collect sensitive information such as names, addresses, and credit card numbers.
These emails appear to be from legitimate organizations, such as schools or banks, and contain links to fake websites that collect personal information.
These text messages contain links to fake websites that collect personal information or attempt to install malware on your phone.
Scammers call parents claiming to be from the school or district and request personal information or payments.
Consequences of Falling Victim to Scams
Falling victim to these scams can have serious consequences, including:
Scammers can use stolen information to open new credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, or commit other crimes.
Scammers may trick parents into sending money or providing credit card numbers that can be used to make unauthorized purchases.
Being scammed can be a stressful and upsetting experience.
Additional Tips for Parents
In addition to the tips mentioned above, parents can take other steps to protect themselves and their children from scams, such as:
Outdated software can contain security vulnerabilities that scammers can exploit.
Create strong passwords that are difficult for scammers to guess.
Only share personal information with trusted sources.
Talk to your children about online safety and teach them how to identify and avoid scams.
If you suspect that you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the school, law enforcement authorities, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
