Scam Tactics
This scam warning sign happens when a message tries to make you act immediately.
What is urgency?
This part of an email can reveal whether the message actually came from the organization it claims to represent.
What is the sender address?
These expenses should be handled before wants like eating out or shopping.
What are needs?
This security step adds another layer of protection beyond a password.
What is multi-factor authentication?
This campus resource can help students save money on books, study materials, and quiet workspaces.
What is the library?
This type of scam often says you were hired without an interview and may ask you to deposit a check.
What is a fake job scam?
This should be checked before clicking a link, especially if the message claims to be from your school or bank.
What is the URL or domain name?
This budgeting problem happens when small purchases seem harmless but add up over time.
What is overspending on small expenses?
This password habit is dangerous because one data breach could expose multiple accounts.
What is reusing the same password?
This is a cheaper option than buying a brand-new textbook from the bookstore.
What is renting, buying used, using an ebook, or checking the library?
This payment method is commonly requested by scammers because it is hard to reverse once sent.
What are gift cards, Cash App, Venmo, bitcoin, or wire transfers?
This red flag appears when a message asks for passwords, Social Security numbers, or banking information.
What is a request for sensitive information?
This type of money is set aside for unexpected costs like a broken charger, medication, or transportation.
What is an emergency fund?
This may be happening if you receive an MFA code even though you did not try to log in.
What is someone trying to access your account?
This type of offer is suspicious when it promises scholarship money but requires a payment first.
What is a scholarship scam?
This scam tactic uses fear, authority, or threats to pressure someone into following instructions.
What is social engineering?
This phishing clue happens when the visible link text looks normal, but the actual link leads somewhere else.
What is a mismatched link?
This budgeting mistake happens when someone forgets recurring charges like subscriptions, laundry, or printing.
What is failing to track recurring expenses?
This should be done immediately after entering your password into a fake login page.
What is changing your password and contacting IT?
This is a smart alternative when friends want to go out, but your budget is already low.
What is suggesting a free or cheaper activity?
This scam involves a fake payment that appears real at first, but later bounces after the victim has already sent money back.
What is a fake check scam?
This is the safest way to check an account after receiving a suspicious login warning email.
What is going directly to the official website or app?
This is the most responsible choice when you only have $120 left for two weeks and a friend asks to borrow $75.
What is making sure your own basic needs are covered first?
This account safety action removes access from devices or browsers that may still be logged in after a compromise.
What is signing out of all sessions?
This financial habit helps prevent surprises by keeping track of where money is going each week.
What is tracking expenses or budgeting?