Imagine getting an urgent email claiming your tuition payment won\u2019t be processed, your financial aid will be canceled, or your student account is at risk. It looks official, it feels urgent\u2026 and it\u2019s often a scam. Every year, students, faculty, staff, and even parents encounter schemes designed to steal money, personal information, and login credentials.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why National Consumer Protection Week<\/span><\/span><\/a> is so important \u2014 it\u2019s a reminder that protecting your money and identity is everyone\u2019s responsibility.<\/p>\n National Consumer Protection Week<\/span><\/span><\/a> is a nationwide effort to help people make informed financial decisions, avoid scams, and protect personal information. While it\u2019s recognized across the country, it\u2019s especially relevant for our campus community.<\/p>\n Students, faculty, staff, and parents all handle money, accounts, and personal data every day \u2014 from tuition payments and student loans to payroll, banking, and online purchases. Being aware of consumer protection principles not only helps you avoid scams on campus, but also keeps your personal life and finances safer.<\/p>\n Scammers rely on psychology more than technology:<\/p>\n Urgency & fear<\/strong> \u2013 Messages pressure recipients to act quickly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Authority & trust<\/strong> \u2013 They appear to come from official offices, professors, or even family members.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Appeal to benefit<\/strong> \u2013 Offers like \u201cloan forgiveness\u201d or \u201cexclusive campus jobs\u201d make recipients act without verifying.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Understanding these tactics helps you pause, think critically, and avoid becoming a victim.<\/p>\n Financial aid & student loan scams<\/strong> \u2013 Offers of loan forgiveness or \u201cpayment relief\u201d for a fee.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Fake job opportunities<\/strong> \u2013 Remote campus jobs or internships asking for upfront payments or banking information.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tuition and housing payment fraud<\/strong> \u2013 Verify all payment instructions via official Montclair portals, never email links.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Subscription or trial traps<\/strong> \u2013 Free apps or software that convert to expensive recurring charges.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Tip:<\/strong> Always confirm requests through official Montclair systems and never share passwords or multi-factor authentication codes.<\/p>\n Payroll diversion scams<\/strong> \u2013 Emails impersonating colleagues requesting direct deposit changes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Procurement fraud<\/strong> \u2013 Vendors suddenly asking for urgent banking updates.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tax & W-2 phishing<\/strong> \u2013 Scammers posing as HR or payroll offices requesting sensitive documents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Tip:<\/strong> Independently verify any unusual requests by contacting colleagues or offices directly using official contact information.<\/p>\n Parents supporting students are also targeted with:<\/p>\n Fake tuition balance or loan \u201crestructuring\u201d emails<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Emergency scam calls claiming their student is in trouble<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tax identity theft scams<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Tip:<\/strong> Always confirm requests directly with the university and encourage students to report suspicious messages.<\/p>\n Verify before you click<\/strong> \u2013 Hover over links and check the sender\u2019s address.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Use official channels<\/strong> \u2013 Log in to Montclair systems directly rather than through email links.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)<\/strong> \u2013 Our campus uses Duo MFA<\/span><\/span> <\/a>for all student, faculty, and staff accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised. You can and should also enable MFA on your personal accounts \u2014 email, banking, and social media \u2014 for the same protection.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Monitor financial accounts<\/strong> \u2013 Regularly review bank, credit, and student account statements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Educate yourself and your family<\/strong> \u2013 Discuss common scams and what to do if something seems suspicious.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Federal Trade Commission<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Identity Theft Resource Center<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Consumer Financial Protection Bureau<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n AnnualCreditReport.com<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n FTC | Helping Kids Navigate the Online World<\/a> (Webinar on March 3, 2026 at 2:00 P.M.)<\/p>\n FTC | How To Avoid a Scam<\/a><\/p>\n FTC | Report Scams<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhat is National Consumer Protection Week?<\/h2>\n
Why Scams Work<\/h2>\n
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Students: What to Watch For<\/h2>\n
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Faculty & Staff: Protect Your Payroll & Office Information<\/h2>\n
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Parents & Families: Stay Alert<\/h2>\n
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Protect Yourself \u2014 Actionable Steps<\/h2>\n
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\nTrusted Consumer Protection Resources<\/h2>\n
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Want to Know More?<\/h2>\n