ITS Warns University Community About Tuition Payment Scams
08/20/2024
Scammers are getting crafty with new schemes targeting university students.
One of the latest threats is tuition payment scams.
What to Watch Out For
- Fake Emails: These can look like they’re from official payment processors, promising discounted fees.
- Texts & Calls: Scammers might also use text messages or phone calls to lure you in.
- Beware of Helpers: Scammers may recruit or pretend to be fellow students to make their scheme look legit. It might seem trustworthy, but it could leave you unable to pay your tuition.
Remember — Saint Louis University will only contact you through official channels. If you get a message from an external source, it’s not from SLU.
It’s crucial to be aware and informed to protect yourself from these scams.
Stay updated with ITS Information Security Knowledge Base Articles and learn how to identify and avoid falling victim to these tricks.
Essential Tips to Stay Safe
- Guard your credentials: Never share your online credentials (username and password) with anyone, no matter what they promise.
- Stick to official payment methods: Only use payment methods and third parties approved by SLU. Check SLU's official website for a list of approved payment processors.
- Pay directly to SLU: Make your tuition payments through university-approved channels.
- Read our guidelines: Always read and follow SLU's official payment guidelines. If a payment method seems suspicious, it probably is.
- Beware of fake discounts: Be cautious of tuition discounts that seem too good to be true.
- Look for the external banner and flag fraudulent emails immediately: Pay attention to the "External Banner" on emails. If you see the yellow banner, it’s a clear indication the email is from a non-official SLU channel. If you receive a suspicious email, use SLUaware tool to flag it. Reporting scams can help protect others in the community.
- Report suspected scams: Think you’ve come across a scam? Report it at ask@slu.edu. Also Contact Student Financial Services or the Office of International Services at sfs@slu.edu or internationalservices@slu.edu for support.
Conclusion
By staying alert and following these tips, user can protect themselves from tuition payment scams. College is challenging enough—let’s not add financial stress to the mix. Remember, users have the power to keep your tuition safe. Together, everyone can create a safer learning environment for all SLU students.
This article was provided by SLU's Info Security Department and written by Eswar Prasad Reddy Venna, Venkata Praveen Arisetty and Syam Sai Siddabhattula.