Watching Your Wallet: Avoiding scams during back-to-school season

Updated 1 hour ago
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Back-to-school is a busy time of year for most families, and scammers take notice.

"It's exciting, but it's also stressful," says JPMorgan Chase's National Head of Community & Business Development, Diedra Porché. "Particularly what we're finding with students, it's they're navigating making personal financial decisions for the first time on their own."

From financial aid fraud to fake apartment listings, new undergrads and their families have become a prime target.

"Parents, as well as students, are making major purchases, so scammers know this," Porché said. "They want to lure you into a false sense of urgency. They want you to act quickly, send money, send personal information."

Porché,says whether it's on social media or an email account, don't respond to unsolicited offers.



One of the biggest red flags she points out -- feeling presure to finalize a deal.

"If you're dealing with a legitimate organization, you've got time," she said. "Just pause, slow down and make sure that you're dealing with your intended audience."

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