Spot Scams and Protect Your Accounts

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, and students are increasingly targeted through email, text messages, and social media. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid falling victim to these kinds of attacks.

Common Red Flags of a Scam

1. Unexpected or Unsolicited Offers

If you receive a message about an internship, scholarship, job, or prize you never applied for, proceed with caution. Scammers often use appealing opportunities to get your attention.

2. Suspicious Email Addresses or Sender Names

Scam messages might use email addresses that look close to— but not exactly like—legitimate ones. Watch for:

• Misspellings
• Random numbers
• Addresses that don’t match the organization

3. Urgent or Pressuring Language

Scammers try to rush you so you don’t stop to think. Be skeptical of messages that say:

• “You must act now”
• “Limited spots”
• “Your account will be closed”

Legitimate organizations don’t pressure you to respond immediately.

4. Links That Don’t Look Right

Before clicking any link, hover over it (or press and hold on mobile) to preview the URL. If it doesn’t match the organization’s website, looks strange, or redirects through unfamiliar domains, don’t click.

5. Requests for Login Information or Personal Data

No legitimate school, company, or program will ever ask you to:

• Enter your password from an unsolicited link
• Provide your Social Security Number without verification
• Share bank or payment information out of the blue

If a message asks for sensitive information, it’s a major red flag.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

• Don’t Click the Link – Avoid clicking any link or downloading attachments until you’re sure the message is safe.
• Report It – Use your email’s Phish Alert Button to alert the school’s technology department.
• Delete the Message – Once reported, delete it from your inbox.
• If You Clicked or Entered Information – Get Help Immediately – Everyone makes mistakes. If you think you entered your username or password into a fake site, let a teacher, administrator, media specialist, or school technology support personnel right away. The sooner your password is reset, the safer your account will be. Here are instructions on how to reset your own password.

Examples of Recent Student-Targeted Scams

Fake Internship / Job Offers

Emails claiming to offer paid internships or remote jobs, often with attractive pay or flexible hours. These messages usually contain:

• Generic greetings like “Hello student”
• Poor grammar or awkward phrasing
• Links to fake login pages designed to capture passwords or sensitive information

Scholarship or Financial Aid Scams

Messages promising guaranteed aid or requiring you to “verify” your school account to continue eligibility.

Account Verification Scams

Emails claiming your school account is “expiring,” “over quota,” or “at risk of closure” unless you log in through a provided link.

How You Can Stay Safe Online

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible
• Use strong, unique passwords for school and personal accounts
• Recognize and report phishing by checking for misspellings and unusual formatting in messages
• Ask a trusted adult or teacher if you’re unsure

Stay informed – awareness is your best defense