As the 2026 back-to-school season approaches, parents, students, and guardians are spending more time shopping for school supplies, uniforms, electronics, textbooks, accommodation, and other essentials.
Unfortunately, scammers also take advantage of this busy period. Fake online stores, misleading advertisements, phishing messages, scholarship scams, and fraudulent payment requests can make back-to-school shopping risky.
The good news is that many of these scams can be avoided by slowing down, checking information carefully, and using safer payment methods.
This guide explains some of the most common back-to-school scams in 2026, how they work, warning signs to watch for, and what you can do if you encounter one.
What Are Back-to-School Scams?
Back-to-school scams are fraudulent schemes designed to target parents, students, teachers, and other people preparing for a new academic year.
Scammers may pretend to represent schools, universities, retailers, scholarship organizations, delivery companies, or other legitimate businesses.
Their goal may be to steal money, payment information, passwords, or personal information.
The scams can appear through:
- Websites
- Search-engine advertisements
- Social media
- Emails
- Text messages
- Messaging apps
- Phone calls
- Fake mobile applications
- Online marketplaces
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises consumers to research unfamiliar sellers, check refund policies, keep purchase records, and use safer payment methods when shopping online.
Common Back-to-School Scams in 2026
1. Fake School Supply Websites
One of the most common seasonal risks is a fake online store offering school supplies at unusually low prices.
A website may advertise backpacks, uniforms, laptops, tablets, calculators, shoes, stationery, or other school essentials at prices that seem too good to be true.
After payment, the buyer may receive a counterfeit product, a completely different item, or nothing at all.
Before purchasing from an unfamiliar website, research the seller and search for independent reviews or complaints. The FTC recommends checking the seller, product information, shipping terms, and refund policies before buying.
2. Fake Back-to-School Deals on Social Media
Scammers can use social-media advertisements to promote heavily discounted electronics, clothing, shoes, and school supplies.
An advertisement may copy the name, photographs, branding, or product descriptions of a legitimate retailer.
Clicking the advertisement can take shoppers to a fraudulent website designed to collect payment information.
Be especially cautious when an expensive product is advertised at an unusually low price. The FTC has warned that scammers use social-media advertisements and fake websites to promote products at unrealistic prices.
3. Fake Laptop and Tablet Deals
Laptops and tablets are popular purchases for students, making them attractive targets for scammers.
A fraudulent seller might advertise a new device for a fraction of its normal price and create urgency with messages such as:
- “Only 2 left!”
- “Back-to-school clearance!”
- “Today only!”
- “Last chance!”
- “90% off!”
A low price alone does not prove that a website is fraudulent, but an unusually large discount combined with pressure to pay immediately should encourage additional research.
4. Fake Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
Students preparing for college or university can also be targeted by scholarship and financial-aid scams.
A scammer may claim that a student has been selected for a scholarship or grant and then request an application fee, processing fee, redemption fee, or banking information.
According to the FTC, legitimate scholarship opportunities should not require students to pay upfront fees in exchange for a promised scholarship. The FTC also warns consumers not to give their financial-aid credentials to people claiming they can process aid on their behalf.
Be suspicious of claims such as:
“Your scholarship is guaranteed.”
“Pay a small processing fee to receive your award.”
“You were selected even though you never applied.”
5. Fake Tuition Payment Requests
College and university students may receive messages claiming that their tuition or registration fees are overdue.
The scammer may pretend to be:
- A university finance office
- A bursar
- A school administrator
- A financial-aid department
- A student services representative
The message may demand immediate payment and provide a link or bank account controlled by the scammer.
Instead of clicking the link, contact the institution using contact information obtained from its official website or a document you already know is genuine.
6. Fake School Login Pages
Phishing websites can imitate legitimate school portals.
A message might say:
“Your student account will be suspended unless you verify your information.”
The link may lead to a fake login page designed to steal a username and password.
Never assume a login page is legitimate simply because it contains a school logo.
If you receive an unexpected account-verification message, navigate directly to the institution’s official website rather than clicking the link in the message.
The FTC recommends avoiding unexpected links and contacting an organization through a website or phone number you know is legitimate.
7. Fake Student Housing Listings
Students looking for accommodation may encounter fake apartment or hostel listings.
The scammer may advertise an attractive property at a low price and ask for a deposit before allowing the student to view it.
Warning signs can include:
- Pressure to pay immediately
- Refusal to arrange a viewing
- Unusually low rent
- Requests for cryptocurrency or gift cards
- Poor-quality photographs
- Inconsistent property information
- Requests to communicate only through private messaging
Never send a large deposit simply because someone claims that another student is waiting to take the property.
8. Fake School Uniform and Clothing Sales
Uniforms, shoes, sportswear, and other school clothing can also be used in fraudulent online offers.
Scammers may create websites that look like genuine retailers and advertise limited-time back-to-school promotions.
Before ordering, check the website address carefully and investigate the seller’s reputation.
Also read the delivery, return, and refund policies before making a purchase.
9. Fake QR Codes
QR codes can make it convenient to access websites, menus, payment pages, or registration forms. However, scammers can also use malicious QR codes to direct people to fraudulent websites.
For example, a fake school notice could contain a QR code asking parents or students to “confirm registration” or “complete payment.”
Before entering passwords, card information, or other sensitive information, verify where the QR code leads and whether the request is genuine.
10. Fake Delivery and Shipping Messages
Someone waiting for textbooks, uniforms, electronics, or other school supplies may be more likely to believe a message claiming to come from a delivery company.
The message might say:
“Your package cannot be delivered. Pay a small redelivery fee.”
The link may lead to a phishing website that attempts to collect payment or personal information.
If you are expecting a package, check its status directly through the retailer or delivery company’s official website instead of using an unexpected link in a text message.
How to Spot a Back-to-School Scam
Before paying for a product or providing personal information, look for these warning signs:
The Price Is Unusually Low
A huge discount on an expensive laptop, smartphone, tablet, or branded product should prompt additional research.
The Seller Creates Urgency
Scammers often pressure people to act immediately.
Be cautious when a seller says you must pay within minutes or you will lose the offer.
The Website Is New or Suspicious
Look carefully at the domain name. A website may imitate a legitimate company while using a slightly different address.
The Payment Method Is Risky
Be extremely cautious if a seller insists that you pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other methods that make it difficult to recover your money.
The FTC specifically warns consumers about sellers who insist on these payment methods.
The Return Policy Is Missing
A legitimate online retailer should provide understandable information about shipping, returns, refunds, and customer service.
Reviews Look Suspicious
Don’t rely entirely on star ratings. Search for reviews from multiple sources and look for complaints about undelivered products, poor customer service, or unauthorized charges.
How Parents Can Protect Their Children
Parents can reduce the risk of back-to-school scams by teaching children and teenagers a few simple online safety habits.
Before allowing a student to purchase something online:
- Check the website address.
- Research the seller.
- Compare the price with other reputable retailers.
- Read the return and refund policy.
- Avoid unexpected payment links.
- Don’t share passwords or financial information unnecessarily.
- Keep receipts and order confirmations.
- Discuss suspicious messages before responding.
Students should also understand that scammers can make fake websites and messages look convincing.
How Students Can Stay Safe
Students should be especially careful with messages involving:
- Tuition payments
- Scholarships
- Student accounts
- Password resets
- Accommodation
- Part-time jobs
- Free laptops or phones
- School registration
- Delivery notifications
If a message creates fear or pressure, stop before taking action.
The FTC recommends resisting pressure to act immediately and independently verifying unexpected requests.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
If you believe you have fallen victim to a back-to-school scam, don’t panic.
Act quickly.
1. Contact Your Bank or Payment Provider
If you paid a scammer, contact your bank, card issuer, or payment service as soon as possible.
Ask whether the transaction can be cancelled, reversed, or disputed.
2. Change Compromised Passwords
If you entered your password on a suspicious website, change it immediately.
If you used the same password elsewhere, change it on those accounts too.
3. Monitor Your Accounts
Watch your bank, card, email, and other important accounts for suspicious activity.
4. Save Evidence
Keep:
- Emails
- Text messages
- Screenshots
- Receipts
- Order confirmations
- Website addresses
- Payment records
- Conversations with the seller
These records may be useful when reporting the incident.
5. Report the Scam
In the United States, consumers can report scams to the FTC through its official reporting service:
Consumers can also find guidance through the FTC’s official consumer protection website:
If you are outside the United States, report the incident to your country’s relevant consumer-protection, law-enforcement, or cybercrime authority.
How to Shop Safely During Back-to-School Season
A few simple habits can make online shopping considerably safer.
Research before buying. Search for the seller’s name together with terms such as “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.”
Compare prices. If one unfamiliar website is offering an expensive product for dramatically less than established retailers, investigate before purchasing.
Read the fine print. Check shipping charges, delivery estimates, return conditions, and refund policies.
Use safer payment methods. When possible, use a payment method that provides protections against unauthorized or disputed transactions.
Keep your records. Save receipts, confirmation emails, product descriptions, and seller communications.
The FTC recommends keeping records of online purchases and checking the seller’s policies before buying.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school shopping should be an exciting part of preparing for a new academic year, not a reason to worry about losing money or personal information.
Whether you’re buying school supplies, uniforms, textbooks, laptops, tablets, or other essentials, take a few minutes to verify the seller before paying.
Remember that scammers can create professional-looking websites, advertisements, emails, and messages. A website looking legitimate does not automatically mean the business is trustworthy.
When an offer seems unusually cheap, creates unnecessary urgency, or demands an unusual payment method, take a step back and investigate before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common back-to-school scams in 2026?
Common risks include fake online stores, fraudulent social-media advertisements, fake scholarship offers, phishing messages, fake tuition requests, fraudulent student housing listings, and fake delivery notifications.
How can I tell if a school shopping website is legitimate?
Research the company, check independent reviews, compare prices, inspect the website address, and read the shipping, return, and refund policies before making a purchase.
Are extremely cheap laptops and tablets always scams?
No. A low price does not automatically mean a scam. However, an unusually large discount from an unfamiliar seller is a reason to conduct additional research before paying.
Can students be targeted by scholarship scams?
Yes. Scholarship and financial-aid scams can target students through emails, social media, phone calls, and other channels. The FTC warns against scholarship offers that require upfront payments or sensitive financial information.
What should I do if I entered my card details on a fake website?
Contact your bank or card issuer immediately, explain what happened, monitor your account for unauthorized transactions, and follow the provider’s instructions for protecting your account.
Where can I report an online shopping scam?
In the United States, you can report scams to the FTC through ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Consumers elsewhere should contact the appropriate consumer-protection or cybercrime authority in their country.
Is HTTPS enough to prove a website is legitimate?
No. HTTPS means the connection is encrypted, but it does not prove that the website itself is trustworthy. The FTC notes that scammers can also use encrypted websites.
Helpful Official Resources
For additional information about avoiding scams and shopping safely online, visit:
- FTC Online Shopping Safety Guide
- FTC Guide to Avoiding Scams
- FTC Scholarship and Financial Aid Scam Guide
- FTC Online Marketplace Safety Guide
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational and scam-awareness purposes. It does not accuse any particular retailer, school, website, or organization of fraud unless independently established by an appropriate authority. Readers should verify information through official sources before making financial or purchasing decisions.
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