Beware of College Test Prep Scams

Jan. 18, 2022

Please be aware of scams targeting parents of WCPSS high school students preparing for college.

The scammers claim to be from The College Board – the organization responsible for the PSAT and SAT tests. They call or email, asking for credit card numbers so they can send PSAT prep materials that the student has supposedly requested. Often the scammers have the student’s name, address, and phone number, making them seem more believable.

Tips:

• The College Board will never ask you to give credit card, bank account or password information over the phone or via email.
• Make sure the company offering test prep materials is legitimate. How? Before you give up your money or personal information, research the company online. Search for their name plus the word “scam” or “complaint.” See about other people’s experiences. And talk to someone you trust, like another parent or your child’s school counselor before you pay.
• Consider how you pay. Credit cards have significant fraud protection built in – meaning that, if you find out you paid a scammer, you may be able to get your money back if you report it quickly. And if anyone asks you to pay by wiring money or by using a reloadable card or gift card, it’s a scam.