Graduation season is full of get-togethers and celebrations. Cards, gifts, announcements, and support from friends and family all become part of the big moment. Unfortunately, scammers know that money is often moving around this time of year — and they use that to their advantage.
Sometimes graduation related scams can look like a message from the graduating student or their family, asking for help. It could be a fake fundraising request for the ceremony, party, or other costs. Other times it’s a payment scam involving gift cards, money transfer apps, or last-minute urgency tied to a graduation event.
What makes these scams tricky is that they often feel personal. Scammers prey on your emotion. The message may sound casual and believable: “Can you send this quickly?” “I need help before the ceremony.” “I’m having trouble with my account.” The request may even appear to come from someone you know. That’s the point.
Scammers are counting on emotion to override caution. They want you to feel helpful before you feel suspicious.
If you receive an unexpected request for money tied to graduation, pause before responding. Verify it another way. Call the person directly. Check with a family member. Don’t rely on the message itself as proof that it’s legitimate.
The same caution applies to online fundraisers or links shared through text and social media. Before donating or sending a gift, make sure you know exactly who is receiving the money and why. It doesn’t make your charitable nature any less true when you want to double check the validity of a fundraiser before donating.
Graduation season should be about celebrating accomplishments — not dealing with fraud. A quick verification step can keep a kind gesture from turning into a costly mistake.
If you ever suspect a payment-related scam involving your GCSB accounts, contact us right away. We’re here to help.