Scams are common in college. Scams in college include financial aid scams (financial aid scams), student loans scams, identity theft, and apartment rental scams.

We are aware that college scams can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Therefore, we want to share the most common college scams and signs you should be looking out for to avoid them.

Let's take a look at it.

College scams: What are they?

These are the most popular types of college frauds:

Scholarship Scams

These scams promise that you will win a scholarship. This claim is clearly fraudulent. There is no guarantee that you will win a scholarship. Do not pay money to apply for scholarships or search for scholarships. Legitimate scholarships do not charge application fees. Some scholarships are taxable. However, taxes are paid to IRS and not the scholarship provider. It's likely a scam if you have to pay money in order to receive money.

Financial Aid Scams

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form that you can complete for free. The FAFSA is free and you don't need to pay any fees. Your FSA ID is an electronic signature.

Fraudulent Student Loans

Advance-fee loan scams charge an upfront fee to lower your loan payment, interest rate, consolidate, refinance or repay your loans, apply for loan forgiveness, loan forgiveness, or any other relief. Scammers may ask you to send your monthly loan payment to them, instead of the lender. This allows them to pocket the money. Federal and state laws make it illegal to charge an upfront fee for credit repair or similar services.

Contact your loan servicer to make changes, request loan forgiveness or make other modifications in your student loan. It takes just minutes.

Learn more about student loan scams in our guide.

Scams in Apartment Rentals

Housing scams involve a landlord or roommate pretending to be a landlord looking to rent an apartment. The rent, deposit and fee are paid without you ever visiting the apartment. The person who receives the money is not the owner of the apartment.

This guide will help you avoid falling for the college roommate trap.

Scams involving unpaid tuition

Parents or students receive notices that their tuition payment has been late or not paid in full. The college statement and logo may make it appear legitimate. Visit the college's site directly. Don't click on any link in an email message.

Federal Student Tax

According to the IRS, students are receiving calls regarding a fraudulent Federal Student Tax. The scam requires immediate payment and threatens students with deportation or arrest if the student doesn't pay.

Online shopping scams

Fake online bookstores that offer great discounts on popular textbooks are the most frequent online shopping scams targeting college students. The textbooks might not arrive, and digital downloads could contain malware. Only buy textbooks from trusted websites and campus bookstores. It is possible that it sounds too good to true. Avoid buying anything on social media.

Identity Theft

You can commit identity theft by using public WiFi, fake hotspots at student hangouts, phishing emails and websites that appear legit. These scams aim to steal usernames, passwords, and other personal information. Don't log in to bank accounts, email accounts, or any other sensitive websites from a public place or click on a link in an email message.

This guide outlines 10 steps to prevent identity theft.

Scams in the Employment Industry

Fake jobs offer high salaries, flexible hours, and the possibility to work from home. It may also require you to pay an upfront fee. It may also require you to provide personal information in order to identify theft. It may also send you a check that is too large and ask you for a refund if the check turns out not to be genuine.