Back-to-school scams are back in season

It’s a busy time for students as they head back to class, but unfortunately it’s also prime time for scammers.

The Better Business Bureau’s Evan Kelly says young people are especially vulnerable.

“A lot of young people these days are computer-savvy, text-savvy and know their way around the internet and wouldn’t think of falling for something, but we are finding that they do,” he said.

One of the largest scams targeting students on a limited income is the employment scam.

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“These employment scams make it sound very easy to make money. They offer you a healthy pay package and say you can do it from home and what they end up doing is sending you a big fake cheque which you are asked to deposit.”

The BBB also says the cheques often look like they are underwritten by a legitimate company which is especially troubling.

When it comes to online shopping be wary of pop-up ads and free trial offers. Kelly recommends reading the fine print.

“Often the trial offers will ask you to input your credit card and get you to pay for shipping and there might be a whole lot of things attached to that so you have to read the terms and conditions and make sure you understand them clearly,” he said.

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It’s also important to read contracts carefully, especially gym memberships.

“The contracts are there for a reason,” Kelly said. “Gyms get quite a few complaints because quite a few people stop working out and they don’t want to be part of the contract any more, but you’ve signed it. Understand what you are signing.”

Also, it’s important to protect your social insurance number. A tech-savvy scammer who steals your SIN could access your bank accounts, get loans and access government agencies in your name.

To report scams go the Better Business Bureau or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.