
Graduation mortar board cap on one hundred dollar bills concept for the cost of a college and university education
Graduation season is kicking into high gear, and that means celebrations and planning for the future.
Navigating these life changes can be a hectic time, and scammers are often eager to exploit college graduates and their inexperience.
Jim Temmer of the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin reminds college graduates to be vigilant against such scams by always knowing the terms of their student loans.
You could receive an unsolicited email, call, or text stating that you qualify for lower payments through a debt forgiveness program, or repayment hiatus because of COVID-19.
Temmer recommends always knowing the ins and outs of your student loan, including interest owed and how long you’re expected to make payments.
He also says to be wary of anyone sending unsolicited messages about unpaid tuition, or anyone offering you a high-paying entry-level job out of the blue.
Especially if they’re asking for any kind of payment, card info, or your social security number.
Of course, with graduation comes that first apartment.
Temmer says to always try to see the property before signing anything, and always go through the lease agreement in full ahead of time.
Of course, if you can’t make it to the property in person.
“We say this for rentals…the person who claims they own the property…ask them questions,” Temmer said. “Where’s the nearest laundromat? Where’s this…where’s that? If they tell you something, “It’s Joe’s Laundromat on the corner” look it up.”
All this info and more can be found online at BBB.org/AvoidScams.
You can also contact the BBB if you feel you have been victimized or targeted by scammers.