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As students worldwide prepare to return to their schools and colleges Kaspersky’s team of cybersecurity experts has uncovered a significant increase in fraudulent activities. The report notes that scammers are preying on the frenzy surrounding academic preparations and purchases and cybercriminals launch sophisticated phishing campaigns targeting students, educators, and administrators alike.
How scammers are trapping students
One of the scamming tactics employed by fraudsters is the creation of fake giveaways promising students a chance to win a laptop, the report notes.
To be eligible for this prize, victims are instructed to provide personal information and indicate their preferred laptop model.
In another version of this scam, individuals are asked to share a specific link leading to a page with a prize draw with 15 contacts through WhatsApp. Subsequently, they are required to engage in the draw by registering via SMS.
Another fraudulent form of deception revolves around fake scholarships. Scammers exploit students’ hope for financial aid, luring them into fraudulent scholarship schemes. Victims are enticed by seemingly genuine scholarship offers that promise financial assistance.
To take advantage of this aid, students are asked to provide personal information, including sensitive data like Social Security numbers and bank details. This information is later used for identity theft and financial fraud.
How to identify such scams and stay safe
The allure of winning a laptop or another valuable item is the bait, but there is a catch: Winners are informed that they must cover the delivery costs for their supposed prizes. This demand for additional payment serves as a distinct indicator of a fraudulent scheme.
The prospect of winning a laptop or other valuable item acts as an enticement. However, besides the offer is too good to be true, a clear sign this is a scam is that the supposed winners are informed they need to pay delivery costs for their alleged prizes. This request for additional payment is a telltale sign of a fraudulent operation.
To stay safe against education fraud, Kaspersky experts also recommend:
Stay Skeptical: Exercise caution when encountering “too good to be true” offers, especially if they require payments or personal information upfront.
Verify the Source: Thoroughly research any scholarships, giveaways, or offers that come your way. Look for official contact details and confirm legitimacy before taking any action.
Secure Your Information: Avoid sharing sensitive data online unless you’re certain about the legitimacy of the request.
Use Trusted Sources: Stick to official school websites, recognised scholarship platforms, and reputable retailers when making payments or providing personal information.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Activate MFA wherever possible, adding an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Use a reliable Password manager that doesn’t just store your passwords but also generates one-time passwords for 2FA automatically.
