Better Business Bureau warns families about back-to-school scams

As students head back to the classroom, the BBB Greater Columbia & Charleston is warning families to be on the lookout for a growing number of back-to-school scams, many of which are now being enhanced by artificial intelligence.

From fake online stores selling discounted school supplies to phishing emails posing as schools, scammers are taking advantage of one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. This year, AI is making those scams more convincing than ever.

“Artificial intelligence hasn’t created new scams – it has made the old ones much harder to recognize,” said Chris Hadley, president and CEO of BBB Greater Columbia & Charleston. “Scammers can now create professional-looking emails, websites, and even realistic phone calls that appear to come from trusted sources. That’s why it’s more important than ever to slow down and verify before clicking a link or making a purchase.”

BBB is also encouraging parents to talk with their children about online safety, particularly as students return to using school-issued Chromebooks and other digital learning tools.

“The Chromebook itself is generally very secure,” Hadley said. “The real target is often the student using it. Scammers know students spend hours online completing assignments, researching projects, and communicating with classmates.”

Common scams targeting students include:

- Fake Google Classroom or school login pages designed to steal passwords.

- Fraudulent websites offering free gaming rewards or gift cards.

- Fake AI homework and tutoring websites requesting personal information or payment.

- Malicious browser extensions that collect sensitive information.

- Pop-up messages falsely claim that a Chromebook has been infected and directing students to fake technical support.

High school and college students are also being targeted with fake scholarship offers, fraudulent apartment listings, and job scams that promise easy money while attempting to steal personal information or financial account details.

BBB encourages parents and students to follow a few simple safety tips:

- Verify emails and text messages that appear to come from schools before clicking links.

- Shop with trusted retailers and research unfamiliar businesses at BBB.org.

- Use credit cards when shopping online whenever possible for added fraud protection.

- Never share passwords or personal information through unsolicited messages.

- Encourage students to ask a parent, teacher, or trusted adult if something online seems suspicious.

“If something seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Hadley said. “Taking just a few extra moments to verify who you’re dealing with can help prevent identity theft, financial loss, and

countless hours of frustration.”

Consumers who encounter scams are encouraged to report them through BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others and assist law enforcement in identifying emerging scam trends.