October is the Department of Homeland Security’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and although Wayne State C&IT is committed to helping you stay safe on the internet year-round, this month we want to spread the word about online scams targeting students. 

There’s a lot of information on the internet about applying for college, getting financial aid, and paying back your student loans. Unfortunately, not all of it is legitimate and some may even lead you right into a scam. 

Over the next few weeks, we’ll explain the most common online scams and how to avoid them. Here are a few general tips to keep yourself safe online:

• Never give out your social security number, bank account information, or other personal information over the phone or email.
• Be wary of unsolicited contacts: If you are notified that you are receiving a scholarship, debt reduction, or job offer that you did not inquire about, it may be a scam. 
• Do your research: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A quick Google search on a company or organization could save you hundreds of dollars.
• Applying for scholarships, getting assistance with your student loans and filling out your FAFSA is always free through the U.S. Department of Education.

Next week we’ll cover student loan scams that offer loan forgiveness, debt reduction, and more. 

If you feel you have been the victim of a financial aid scam, please contact the C&IT Help Desk at 313-577-4357 immediately for further direction.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) – observed every October – was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online.