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It’s Back-to-School, Not Back-to-Scams

Back-to-school season is filled with excitement, shopping lists, and shiny new routines—unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for scammers to strike. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone just trying to make sense of your inbox, U could be a target for seasonal scams.

At UMe, we care about keeping our members safe—not just financially, but digitally too! Here are some of the top back-to-school scams making the rounds this year, and how to stay one step ahead.

    1. Fake School Supply Deals
      That pop-up ad for half-off Chromebooks might be too good to be true. Be cautious when shopping online for back-to-school gear—especially if the retailer is unfamiliar, the site looks sketchy, or the price is too amazing. Stick to trusted stores and double-check URLs before checking out.
    2. Bogus Tuition or Fee Emails
      Scammers are clever—they’re impersonating schools and universities, sending out fake emails demanding payment for registration fees or tuition. Always confirm with your school directly (even using official contact info) before making any payments. /li>
    3. Scholarship & Student Loan Scams
      Watch out for unsolicited offers for scholarships, grants, or student loan relief—especially if they ask for a fee to “process” your application. Legitimate aid programs won’t charge you upfront or require sensitive personal info by email or text.
    4. Phishing Attempts Targeting Students
      Students are particularly vulnerable to phishing emails claiming to be from campus services, bookstores, or financial aid offices. These can include links to fake websites designed to steal your personal or financial information. When in doubt, don’t click—log in directly through your school’s official site.

Scammers thrive on urgency—so if you get a message that makes you feel panicked or rushed, pause. Slow down, verify the source, and ask for help if something seems off.

At UMe, we’re all about empowering U to live your best (and smartest) financial life. So, whether you’re heading back to school or just sending someone off, be scam-savvy—and share this info with someone who needs to see it.

Happy studying!

Disclaimer: U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!