Staff report
Marietta Daily Journal, Ga.
(TNS)
As students across the nation head back to school, the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Atlanta Field Office is urging families to stay alert to seasonal fraud schemes.
During this season, criminals frequently target parents, educators and students with financial offenses such as online shopping scams, impersonation schemes, scholarship fraud and digital exploitation directed at youth.
“Back to school season should be a time for excitement and fun memories for parents and students,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office. “IRS‑CI special agents are committed to protecting families by exposing scams, following the money and stopping criminals who target parents and children during this season.”
Back‑to‑school season brings spikes in fake e‑commerce websites, fraudulent fee requests from imposters claiming to represent schools or agencies and scams targeting minors through gaming platforms and social media.
In FY25, IRS-CI identified over $24 million dollars in cyber-related crime.
How parents and students can protect themselves:
- Shop safely: When buying school supplies, electronics or clothing online, stick to well-known retailers with established reputations. Fraudulent websites often lure families with unusually steep discounts or pressure them into using non-traceable payment methods such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. These tactics are common red flags indicating a scam. Taking a moment to verify a seller, read reviews and confirm secure payment options can prevent costly losses.
- Verify school related messages: Scammers increasingly impersonate school officials, government agencies or scholarship providers to trick parents and students into paying fake fees or sharing personal information. Reach out to the school or agency directly using verified contact information. Independent confirmation is the simplest and most effective way to shut down impersonation scams before any harm occurs.
- Protect child data: Children’s personal information is a prime target for identity thieves. Safeguard Social Security numbers, avoid sharing identifying details online and talk with kids about what information should remain private. Families may also consider credit freezes for minors, which prevent scammers from opening fraudulent accounts in a child’s name. Contact the three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, for free credit card freezes for children 16 and under. These proactive steps help defend long‑term financial security.
- Monitor online spaces: Scammers frequently target youth on gaming platforms, social media apps and online communities, often posing as peers or offering rewards that seem “too good to be true.” Encourage children to report suspicious messages, sudden offers or strangers requesting personal information. Staying engaged in their digital environment and fostering open conversations about online interactions can stop exploitation before it escalates.
- Report fraud quickly: Timely reporting helps investigators stop scams and protect others. Families who encounter questionable messages, fraudulent purchases or suspicious online behavior should submit a report through irs.gov/submitatip. The sooner a report is filed, the faster law enforcement can act to prevent additional victims.
Photo credit: Elena Mozhvilo/Unsplash
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© 2026 Marietta Daily Journal, Ga.. Visit www.mdjonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.
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