College students are getting scammed at an alarming rate in Michigan and across the United States.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way many students are being targeted and the scams appear to be working.
Typically, many shady credit card companies or fake travel groups may set up shop in the student union to get the attention of students but because of safety protocols, they’re not allowed on campus.
Because they can’t access students in person they’re focused on scamming them using smartphones and emails.
Students returning to campus should be wary and keep an eye out for scams.
Watch the video above for the full report.
Experts warn of scammers on mobile payment apps
It’s easier than ever to digitally send and receive money right from your smartphone -- the trouble is, scammers know this, too.
With more people using digital payment apps like Venmo or Zelle, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning people about scams involving the apps.
“You get a random, out-of-the-blue message from a friend asking you to send them the money. Maybe they’re saying they ran out of money for groceries or they need gas, and they’re asking you for some money,” said Ashley Gibbard, marketing coordinator for the Better Business Bureau. “You’re thinking you’re helping a friend, but what’s really happening is the scammer is spoofing their account ... taking their profile picture, making a username that looks similar but isn’t quite right.”