What Are Tuition Scams?
One of the latest ways that hackers have chosen to take advantage of the university community has been through tuition payment scams. These usually appear as emails (but can be text messages or phone calls) that promise discounted fees and often appear to come from official payment processors. These scammers take advantage of the complexities of tuition payments in order to steal money from students. Keep in mind that SLU will ONLY contact you through official channels, so if you get an email from an external source, it is not from Saint Louis University. It is critical to be alert and remain informed about these types of crimes to avoid being tricked into losing your money. Continue reading for ways to identify and avoid falling for these scams.
How to Identify a Tuition Scam:
These criminals don't limit themselves to email and phones. They leverage tools like social media and impersonate school officials and fellow students in order to lure unsuspecting students.
Keep an eye out for things like:
- Tempting tuition discounts - SLU provides financial aid opportunities through legitimate means. Offers like this are meant to take advantage of unwary students.
- Offers to make an initial payment on your tuition to gain your trust - Stolen credit cards are usually used to cover such payments as a step toward stealing much more from you.
- Be cautious of fellow students who may be working on behalf of scammers. These "helpers" may be part of the crime or they could assisting without knowing. Either way, SLU always uses official channels for billing.
- "Everyone is doing this!" - Don't be fooled. This problem is spreading, but not because it's helping students. It's because it is working for the criminals and they're making a lot of money doing this.
These offers may appear to offer savings, but they will just take your money.
How to Keep Your Finances Safe:
- Guard Your Credentials: NEVER share your online credentials (username and password) with anyone, no matter what they promise.
- Stick to the University's Official Payment Methods: Only use the methods and systems authorized by Saint Louis University. This information is provided on the university's website at
https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/paying-your-bill/index.php.
- Always Pay Directly to SLU: Use the official channels stated in the link above to make your tuition payments. Dealing with middlemen or third parties can cost you extra fees (at best) or result in you losing all of your money (worst case).
- Review SLU's Official Payment Guidelines: ALWAYS FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES LISTED AT THIS LINK
https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/paying-your-bill/index.php. Keep in mind that if a payment method seems a little strange or too good to be true, it probably is. Don't risk it!
- Discounts Are Meant to Tempt You: Don't believe them! We all are trying to get by the best we can with what we have. These criminals know that and know how to lure you in. Trust your instincts and don't be fooled.
- Report Suspected Scams: If you think you have come across a scam, report it to Saint Louis University authorities. Contact Student Financial Services or the Office of International Services and explain how you were contacted. If offers like this come through email, use the Report to SLUAware function. For more information about this, take a look at THIS ARTICLE.
The Last Word:
Your education and financial security are vital to us at Saint Louis University. By staying alert and following these tips, you can protect yourself from tuition payment scams. College is challenging enough. Do not add even more financial stress to the mix. You have the power to keep your tuition safe. Working together, we all can create a safer learning environment for each other. Stay sharp and stay secure!