Categories: Budgeting
You may think that boomers are the only ones falling for scams on the internet, but that’s simply not true. There are actually many scams that are targeting young adults online. We all feel comfortable on the internet, but scammers do too, so it’s important to remember to be cautious and approach things with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Common Scams
Ticketing scams
Who doesn’t love going to an incredible concert or football game? Be careful, though. Scammers can mail you fake tickets that won’t work at the door, or just never send tickets to you.
Rental scams
It can be tough to find your first apartment. Even worse? Scammers can post fake ads and ask for a deposit before showing you the property to prove you have the funds to afford it. Never transfer money to an unknown person before an apartment viewing.
Job scams
Be wary of “too good to be true” job postings where you can work from home and earn oodles of money. Any job application that asks for personal information or bank details is likely a scam. Trust your gut. If it seems sketchy, it probably is.
Dirt cheap products
The latest iPhone or fancy headphones for a fraction of the cost? Unbelievable! What a find! Except these offers are rarely true; you may purchase the product only for it to never arrive.
Social media scams
Sharing your birthday and phone number on Facebook doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it can put you at risk. You’ll also want to avoid sharing sensitive information over messaging apps like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Those messages seem private, but are easily accessible if you get hacked.
Tips to Avoid Scams
- Be sure to check website security before entering information. You should see “https” on a secure site.
- Avoid clicking links from an email you weren’t expecting, even if it appears to be legitimate. Research before opening anything and verify online that the email or website is the same as the real organization’s.Check your credit report at least once a year to confirm you haven’t been the victim of identity theft. Here’s how to check your credit report.
- Do not give access to your financial accounts to anyone – not even your best friend or roommate.
- Get a lockbox or safe for securely storing your passport and social security card. Consider too if bringing these items to campus is necessary.
There are always new scams, especially in times of uncertainty. Check out this guide on avoiding Coronavirus and stimulus scams.
A checking account at a safe financial institution is one way to ensure your information secure.
Sign up for an online checking account – a new way to bank!