Graduation season is here, which means there are many things to consider while transitioning into the professional workforce or other endeavors. Being cognizant of cybersecurity as you embark on this journey will go a long way toward protecting your data.
Remember, cybercriminals are often smart. If you’ve recently graduated, they’ll use that knowledge so they can target their scams more effectively. Some common scams targeting students and graduates are:
Job Scams
Be wary of offers for jobs you didn’t apply for, that don’t require an interview, or that require you to send money or banking information. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For more information, explore this article from the Better Business Bureau.
Student Debt Relief Scams
These scams are perpetrated by companies that use deceptive practices to prey on unsuspecting students and other consumers seeking to pay off student loan debt. These scams are often conducted via email or by phone. The FTC has a knowledge article as well as a video that further explains this type of scam.
Credit Card Scams
For college students and graduates looking to build their credit, note that cybercriminals will take advantage of you by offering fake cards in exchange for your personal information. Find out more financial scams to avoid as a graduate or student.
Rental scams
Be on the lookout for apartment scams targeting graduates. Scammers will grab photos of real apartments from real estate websites and list them online. They’ll rush interested parties to pay a fee or first month’s deposit before seeing the space, swindling apartment hunters out of their money.
Knowing the red flags for various online scams will go a long way toward helping you to secure your future. Remember, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, so do your best to Stay Cyber Aware!
This story was written by Sharkirah Foote and Catherine Tarquinio.
This story has been updated (originally published on May 9, 2023).
Tags: graduates, security