Scammers target back-to-school rush as spending nears $39 billion
As summer winds down, families across the country are preparing for the upcoming school year. But while parents juggle vacations, work, and school supply lists, scammers also are gearing up — for a different kind of season.
“There’s a time crunch parents face between vacations, jobs, and getting their kids ready for school,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. “Scammers see this as a golden opportunity to exploit the pressure and confusion that often come with back-to-school shopping.”
According to the National Retail Federation, back-to-school and college spending is projected to hit $38.8 billion this year, making it the second-highest total on record. Families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade are expected to spend on average $874.68 on essentials such as clothing, accessories, shoes, school supplies, and electronics.
With billions in play, the BBB is urging consumers to stay vigilant and informed. Whether shopping online or in-store, families should watch for red flags like too-good-to-be-true deals, fake websites, and phishing scams disguised as school-related promotions.
How to obtain the best deals and avoid getting ripped off
• Research big-ticket items. Whether your children are learning in person at school or online from home, technology has come to the forefront in recent years. When purchasing new equipment, consult with your child's school to determine any technical requirements.
• Before purchasing an expensive laptop, tablet, or other computer accessories, research the brands, warranty, customer reviews, and prices of various stores for the best deal. Be sure to look up the retailer's reputation on BBB.org
• Finish your shopping early. Shop now to avoid paying higher prices or encountering a last-minute scam.
• Shop with familiar retailers. Laptops, tablets, or other tech accessories can be a significant investment. Shop with businesses you know and trust to ensure you’re getting a quality product and good customer service.
• Don’t buy from impostors. Fraudsters may use the name, logo, and other characteristics of brands you trust. Closely examine the website to verify that they are who they say they are.
• Approach low prices with caution. Low prices and short-term sales could be a sign you’ve encountered a scam. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• When shopping online, be wary of “clickbait” ads that feature items that imply you may want or need them based on your search history. Scammers could be trying to drive you to a different website to potentially steal personal information.
• Ask for a discount. Many stores and software companies offer discounts. Some are available to students with either a “.edu” email address or a student ID.
• Deal with secure websites. These will begin with “HTTPS” and have a “lock” symbol on the address bar.
Additionally, the BBB has more help for parents on its back-to-school shopping hub.
If you have experienced a scam, report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.