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Address: 5488 E State Rd 46 Bloomington, IN. 47401
Phone: (812) 337-7637
Hours: Mon. ~ Fri. 8am - 5pm
Email:
Phone: (812) 337-7637
Hours: Mon. ~ Fri. 8am - 5pm
Email:
Common College Scams
Lack of experience and a thirst for independence make students susceptible to the trickery and deceit of cunning con artists and swindlers. Even the brightest students can fall victim to the schemes of nefarious tricksters. Avoiding scams requires a worldliness that comes with age. Fortunately, you don’t have to face life unprepared. A little basic knowledge and a healthy pinch of vigilance can go great lengths in guarding any student from malevolent trickery. Here are a few of the most common college scams and how to avoid them.
Scholarship Scams
With the Internet, finding scholarships should be a cinch. But contrary to what logic dictates, scholarship searches have only grown more complex. Many scholarship search sites dress themselves as beneficent tools created for the purpose of helping students find financial aid; but are actually traps set to lure in the vulnerable and hopeful. When cruising the net for financial awards, proceed with caution. A site that asks for personal information should be regarded with suspicion. Many will ask for an e-mail address only to sell that address and pump it full of spam. You also should never pay for a service that helps you find or apply for scholarships. These are rarely beneficial and do nothing you couldn’t do for yourself. Stick to free scholarship search tools and assess each award’s legitimacy before submitting an application.
Click here to read more about Scholarship Scams.
Social Media Scams
A growing stereotype amongst college students is a worsening addiction to social media. Scam artists have seized the opportunity to feed on unsuspecting students. One such technique involves scammers setting up fake pages for universities and reaching out to the college’s students to acquire e-mail addresses. Phony pages and profiles are created to harvest personal information. In its most innocuous incarnation, this sort of scam means an inbox full of spam. In its most hostile form, social media fraud can result in identity theft. To avoid these scams, add only friends you know, limit the information you post online, and be wary of invitations to “like” pages.
Identity Theft
Perhaps the most terrifying scam of the modern age is identity theft. A stolen identity can have devastating results. Imposters can use your information to make unwarranted purchases, open phony accounts, and sign up for services you would never in your right mind contemplate utilizing. Avoiding identity theft is simple.
You must follow one rule: guard your personal information. However, it is a rule you must follow completely and without pause. As mentioned in the social media scam example, the Internet is a great place to open yourself up to thieves. Make purchases only from websites you trust. If you don’t personally know anyone who can vouch for a site, avoid it. Again, limit the information you post on social media. Don’t list e-mail addresses or phone numbers. Never divulge information that seems unnecessary or gratuitous. For example, there would be absolutely no reason to give up your social security number to join a mailing list. Keep credit card numbers, PIN numbers, and other financial information carefully guarded, both online and in the physical world.
Learn more about preventing identity theft.
Credit Card Rip-Offs
The credit card world is laden with scams, and college students, being new to the credit game, are particularly susceptible. Be wary of signing up for cards from issuers you’re not familiar with–and not only credit cards, but prepaid debit as well. You risk the chance of relaying information to a phony lender and potential identity thief. And even the card is actually available and functioning, you need to be exceedingly cautious about hidden fees and unreasonable rates.
Know what to expect from a credit card. If you see an APR of 25% or more, or an annual fee of $30 or more, you should be concerned.
Always, always, always read the fine print. Learn to read Schumer boxes –they are your friend.
About Us
We are an independent agency providing for all your insurance needs in one place. Our personnel brings over 84 years of combined experience to help you improve your insurance situations and fulfill your needs.
We are a member of the PROES Business Group. This association is a family of companies providing multiple avenues to make your life better. It brings business partners with the right background, experience and expertise to help you with your needs.
Each agent, servicing representative and owner’s philosophy is to combine quality, price, experience and service in every facet of your insurance purchasing experience. We strive to build long term relationships by meeting the needs of our clients.
The various backgrounds of our people help assure we can relate to your situation. Our goal is to help you have the right coverage, at the right price and be satisfied at the most important time – when you have a claim. We understand you are not buying insurance: you are buying piece of mind to protect yourself, your business and your family.
We are a member of the PROES Business Group. This association is a family of companies providing multiple avenues to make your life better. It brings business partners with the right background, experience and expertise to help you with your needs.
Each agent, servicing representative and owner’s philosophy is to combine quality, price, experience and service in every facet of your insurance purchasing experience. We strive to build long term relationships by meeting the needs of our clients.
The various backgrounds of our people help assure we can relate to your situation. Our goal is to help you have the right coverage, at the right price and be satisfied at the most important time – when you have a claim. We understand you are not buying insurance: you are buying piece of mind to protect yourself, your business and your family.