Greg's Corner

Scam Calls Target Students Over Unpaid Tuition

By Greg Collier

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning to college students and their parents about a growing scam that targets those paying tuition. Imagine receiving a call from someone claiming to be from your school’s financial aid office, telling you that your tuition bill hasn’t been paid. The caller might threaten to drop your classes unless you send money immediately. While this may cause alarm, it’s essential to pause and think carefully, you could be dealing with a scammer.

These scammers pose as school officials, often claiming that financial aid has fallen through or that your transcripts are being held until the balance is paid. Their goal is to create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act without verifying the legitimacy of the claim. However, a legitimate school office would never try to scare you into making a payment over the phone.

If you receive such a call, it’s crucial not to panic. Scammers rely on the fear of missing out on classes or having academic records withheld to trick you into making hasty decisions. Instead of responding immediately, take the time to verify the situation through secure channels. Most schools post tuition bills on secure student portals, where you can safely check your balance and make payments. If you’re still uncertain, contact the financial aid or billing office directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.

Remember, scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming from your campus. Don’t trust what you see on the screen, and never give out your bank or credit card information over the phone to an unknown caller. If someone pressures you to pay with cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards, it’s almost certainly a scam.

The FTC urges anyone who encounters this scam to report it. By spreading the word, you can help protect others from falling victim to these deceptive tactics. Always verify through trusted sources before making any payments, especially when it comes to something as important as education.