BACK-TO-SCHOOL ALERT: AHEAD OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR, THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF STATE’S DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION SHARES SCAM PREVENTION AND BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING TIPS

Secretary Mosley: “As families make the most of the final weeks of summer, I encourage New Yorkers to do their research and use these helpful tips to protect themselves from scams while shopping for the new school year”

As New Yorkers prepare for a new school year, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is sharing back-to-school shopping tips and reminding consumers to remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scams targeting shoppers. Back-to-school shopping is the second largest spending event of the year, ranking closely behind the holiday shopping season. It’s also prime time for scammers to create fake online stores, deceptive ads, and emotionally manipulative content to trick people into buying low-quality or completely non-existent goods. According to PwC’s 2026 US Consumer Poll on Back-to-School Shopping, 73% percent of parents and caregivers plan to use AI somewhere in their shopping journey, whether to research, compare, budget, or find deals. While AI can be a helpful tool for consumers, it can also help scammers exploit back-to-school shopping to steal money and personal information.

“Artificial intelligence is changing the way we shop, but it is also used as a tool to exploit consumers during one of the most expensive times of the year for parents and caregivers,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “As families make the most of the final weeks of summer, I encourage New Yorkers to do their research and use these helpful tips to protect themselves from scams while shopping for the new school year.”

How to Avoid Back-To-School Shopping Scams:

• Beware of fake websites: As fraudsters become more sophisticated, fake websites frequently resemble legitimate sites with credible looking logos, pictures and payment options. Fake websites imitate real brands with small changes. Check the URL in the browser bar for strange spellings, odd domain extensions, or extra characters, and check website content for any words or images that contain errors or appear to be off.
•  Vet the store before you buy: Be cautious of business marketing that is overly emotional, especially when paired with big discounts. Scammers can create deceptive ads and fake stories that play on consumers’ sympathy and manipulate consumers to buy low quality or non-existent items. Always look for consumer reviews of businesses from sources outside the business website.
• Be suspicious of unrealistic deep discounts: If the website advertises extremely low prices or severe markdowns, consumers should be wary and diligently verify the legitimacy of the seller. Learn how to spot fake websites here.
• Learn how to identify phishing emails: Scammers may send phishing emails or texts to students and parents/caregivers saying that they missed a delivery of school supplies. These emails or texts request that the recipients click on a link to reschedule this delivery. That link can either flood victims’ computers or phones with malware or send them to fake websites that request their personal and payment information. Phishing attacks have been getting more sophisticated as scammers leverage AI tools, so it is increasingly important to verify sources through alternate channels.
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls offering test preparation material: As high school students prepare for SAT tests as this academic school year begins, parents/caregivers and students should be cautious of unsolicited calls offering test preparation materials. The College Board does not make unsolicited calls or ask for sensitive information, including social security or credit card numbers. You can find out more information and more tips in the Department’s November 2024 consumer alert on this topic.
• Ensure you know who the seller is: Major retailers may allow third party sellers to list items on their site, and those sellers may have sales or return policies that differ from the major retailer. Consumers should thoroughly read the applicable policies for the item(s) they are purchasing and ensure that they are comfortable with the seller’s policies.
• Pay attention to return and refund policies: Retailers must post their refund policy. If no refund policy is posted, consumers generally have up to 30 days from the date of purchase to get a full refund or store credit with receipt. For more tips, please see information from this December 2025 Consumer Alert. This policy is also applicable to online retailers selling items in New York.
• Use a credit card for online purchases, if possible: Credit cards generally offer fraud protection and may come with zero-fraud liability. Beware of online sites that ask for payments by gift cards or cash transfer apps.
• Watch out for fake discounts and giveaways on social media: Don’t fall for fake deals online! Be wary of ads coming from unfamiliar retailers and fake websites.
• Pay Close Attention to Personal Information:
  • Watch out for phishing emails, texts or calls intended to steal personal information: Scammers often impersonate legitimate organizations and send phishing emails related to fake scholarships, grants, unpaid tuition or other related scams targeting students. These deceptive tactics focus on stealing sensitive information such as Social Security Numbers (SSN), passwords, bank account details, and other account information. The emails often create a sense of urgency, urging consumers to take immediate action. Always verify the organization and validate what you’re being told.
  • College students can learn important steps to prevent identity theft as they start the new academic year: Personal documents, checkbooks, credit card statements and other personal papers should always be locked securely away. When searching for and applying for student loans or other applications for financial aid, never share personal information by phone or internet unless you have initiated contact. For more tips, please read DOS’ Back to Campus consumer alert here.
  • Protect documents that contain personal information: Parents and caregivers should understand where your child’s information is stored. Ask how after-school organizations and sports clubs secure their records. Are digital records connected to the internet and, if so, are they encrypted? Are physical records locked in filing cabinets? Who has access?
  • Be careful when providing identifying information for after-school activities and sports clubs upon registration: If asked for a SSN, inquire why it is needed and ask to use another identifier. Oftentimes organizations include the SSN request as a formality and it may not be mandatory.
  • Parents and caregivers should discuss with children internet safety tips, such as creating strong passwords and setting their social accounts to private: Reject friend requests from strangers and do not click on attachments or links from unsolicited emails and text messages. For more information on keeping your kids safe, and how to protect and support your children when online, click here.