Cleveland Akron, OH, September 10, 2026 — The back-to-school season in the Cleveland-Akron (Canton) area is presenting an increased risk of scams targeting students and their families. Experts are warning the public about the prevalence of fraudulent schemes that exploit the back-to-school period, leading to potential financial loss and identity theft.

Common fraudulent schemes observed include deceptive practices in online shopping, fake job application offers, and fraudulent housing rental listings. As students prepare to return to school, purchase supplies, seek part-time employment, or find accommodation, they become more vulnerable to these deceptive tactics. Scammers often impersonate legitimate businesses or individuals to gain trust and extract money or personal information.

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are reportedly exacerbating the sophistication and reach of these scams. AI technologies can be used to create more convincing phishing emails, generate realistic fake websites, and even produce deepfake audio or video, making it harder for individuals to discern legitimate communications from fraudulent ones. This technological leap means that even cautious consumers may find it challenging to identify warning signs.

To combat these growing threats, preventative measures are being emphasized for students and families. These measures focus on protecting personal finances and safeguarding identity information. Key recommendations include:

  • Verifying Online Retailers: Always research unfamiliar online stores, check for secure payment gateways (HTTPS), and read reviews before making purchases.
  • Scrutinizing Job Offers: Be wary of job postings that seem too good to be true, ask for payment upfront for training or equipment, or request sensitive personal information early in the process. Legitimate employers typically do not require payment for application or hiring.
  • Thoroughly Vetting Rental Properties: Conduct in-person tours of properties whenever possible, verify landlord or agent identity, and be suspicious of requests for large sums of money before seeing a property or signing a lease, especially if communication has been solely online.
  • Protecting Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive data like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords via email, text, or unsecured websites.
  • Using Strong, Unique Passwords: Employ complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where available.
  • Staying Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest scam tactics and report suspicious activity to relevant authorities.

The collective effort to raise awareness and provide practical advice aims to equip the community with the knowledge needed to navigate the back-to-school season safely and avoid becoming victims of digital deception.


Story summarized from the original created by Signal Akron on signalcleveland.org, see more information here.

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