Malicious Strategies Unveiled in Schoolchildren Swindling
As the new school year approaches, it's crucial to be vigilant against digital threats. Alexander Vurasco, Director of Development at the Solar Aura Center for Monitoring External Digital Threats, has issued a warning about scam tactics that target students and parents.
The Solar Aura Center has identified these scam tactics as a significant concern. Scammers often impersonate school staff, send fake emails, or create bogus websites to trick people into sharing personal data or making payments.
One common tactic is impersonation of school staff. Scammers pose as teachers, principals, coaches, tech staff, or even other students, requesting money or personal information. They may claim to offer giveaways or ask for verification payments, which victims never receive.
Another tactic involves fake giveaways. Scammers send emails about "free" school-related items, asking recipients to contact unknown numbers and provide payment for shipping or identity verification. The promised items never arrive, but scammers gain money and sensitive data.
Phishing emails and social media scams are also prevalent. Fraudsters send deceptive emails or ads that look like they come from schools or educational programs, prompting students and parents to share login credentials, financial data, or other personal information.
Scammers may also create fake online stores or listings on social media, offering supplies, textbooks, or electronics at suspiciously low prices. Once payment is made, the goods are never delivered.
First-year or younger students, who may be less experienced in official processes or digital literacy, are often targeted because they may be uncertain about paperwork or school procedures, making them easier to deceive.
Scammers may also use malicious links in their messages. These links can download malware or steal browsing data and are common on suspicious ads or emails purporting to be from schools or stores.
To protect against these tactics, experts recommend verifying seller legitimacy, avoiding clicking suspicious links, confirming communications directly with schools, monitoring financial accounts closely, and being skeptical of deals or requests that seem too good or urgent to be true.
Stay safe and secure as you prepare for the new school year. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
[1] TASS Interview with Alexander Vurasco [2] The Solar Aura Center for Monitoring External Digital Threats [3] Cybersecurity Awareness Resources [4] Educational Vulnerability Report [5] Back-to-School Shopping Tips and Scams
- Amidst the new school year, it's essential to be aware of digital threats, especially the use of technology for impersonation of school staff or the creation of fake websites or giveaways, as part of general-news about crime-and-justice.
- Being vigilant against scam tactics targeting students and parents, as warned by Alexander Vurasco, includes avoiding clicking suspicious links, confirming communications directly with schools, and being cautious about deals or requests that seem too good to be true, which are all aspects of cybersecurity advice from the Solar Aura Center for Monitoring External Digital Threats.
