College students are frequent targets for cyber scams, especially during the back-to-school season when classes, housing, and job searches create an overload of new information. Cybercriminals take advantage of this busy time with schemes designed to trick students into giving away money or personal information. Below are some of the most common scams affecting students and tips on how to defend against them.
Cybercriminals use a variety of tactics to trick students into giving up money or personal information, here are some of the most common scams for students to watch out for:
“Boss Needs Gift Cards” Scam
Scammers impersonate supervisors or professors and urgently request gift cards, often pressuring new interns, hires, or recent graduates. These scams are especially effective in remote or hybrid roles where students may not have met their managers in person.
How to protect yourself:
- Check the sender’s email domain or phone number to make sure it matches official contact details.
- Confirm requests by contacting a trusted team member or reaching out to the individual directly through verified contact information.
Fake Rental Listings
Criminals post apartments or houses at “too good to be true” prices, demanding deposits or rent payments before showing the property. Scammers often avoid in-person meetings and use vague or stolen listing photos. International students or those unfamiliar with Isla Vista are at particular risk.
How to protect yourself:
- Use Google reverse image search to see if photos are copied from other listings.
- Refer to this A.S. resource for a list of legitimate leasing companies in Isla Vista (note: this is not an endorsement but a verification tool).
- Always request an in-person tour or meeting with the landlord before making payments.
Fake Job Listings
Fraudulent job postings may request sensitive information (like bank details) or ask for upfront fees. Some impersonate UCSB professors, offering fake research roles that never require interviews. These scams are common in spring and summer, when students are job hunting.
How to protect yourself:
- Verify research jobs with the relevant UCSB department or the professor directly.
- Look for postings on official UCSB job boards.
- Double-check the sender’s email domain and the details in the job offer.
Staying cyber safe for students starts with simple yet essential tips that can be implemented into your daily routine.
Tips to help you protect your devices, data, and personal information:
- Don’t leave devices unattended: Whether in the library, dining hall, or residence halls, keep your devices secure at all times.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Never share passwords. Update them regularly and use different ones for each account.
- Scrutinize URLs: Malicious sites often mimic real ones with small spelling changes or different domain extensions (.com vs. .net).
- Check email domains carefully: Scammers often copy logos and formatting to mimic trusted senders. Look closely—small misspellings or extra letters are a giveaway.
- Stay informed: Knowledge is your best defense. Follow updates on the UCSB Information Security website and official social media.
- Monitor your bank accounts: Many scammers test accounts with small withdrawals before larger fraud. Regular checks help catch suspicious activity early.