FBI Warns College Students About Scams

As colleges enhance on-campus safety, the FBI warns that the most significant threats to students are online scams. Fraudsters specifically target college students due to their financial needs and social media presence, often luring them with fake job offers or scholarship scams that compromise personal information. Special Agent Patrick Koeth highlighted that many scams involve bogus job applications designed to extract sensitive data like bank account numbers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reported a rise in scams, particularly those involving fraudulent scholarship claims, fake credit card offers, and deceptive online jobs. Students are urged to remain vigilant, verify the credibility of offers, and avoid sharing personal information unless absolutely certain of the source. Awareness and caution are critical as students navigate the challenges of college life while protecting their finances and identities.