Comment via Text Message

Think you're too tech-savvy to fall for a scam? Think again. Young adults between 20-29 are now losing money to fraud more frequently than seniors—a startling reversal of what many assume about scam victims. As students flood back to campuses nationwide, they're walking into a minefield of sophisticated schemes designed specifically to exploit their unique vulnerabilities.

In this eye-opening episode of 2 Cents, we dive deep into the alarming world of student-targeted scams. From fake housing listings that leave incoming freshmen homeless (and broke) to employment scams stealing identities from job-hunting students, the threats are both diverse and devastating. We explore how oversharing on social media creates perfect reconnaissance for scammers, why that too-good-to-be-true apartment near campus probably doesn't exist, and how public WiFi networks can become hunting grounds for digital predators "sniffing your packets."

The conversation covers particularly insidious threats like scholarship scams that steal both dreams and data, aggressive credit card marketing that saddles students with "the most expensive free t-shirt ever," and blackmail attempts that can derail promising careers before they begin. Most disturbing is the recent FTC shutdown of a student loan relief scam that extracted over $23 million from already debt-burdened graduates. Through practical examples and actionable advice, we equip students (and those who care about them) with the knowledge to recognize and avoid these financial pitfalls.

Whether you're a student heading to campus, a parent sending your child to college, or an educator working with young adults, this episode provides essential information for navigating the complex landscape of financial security in academic environments. Share this episode with the students in your life—knowledge remains the most powerful defense against those looking to exploit youthful inexperience.

Resources:
Back-to-School Cybersecurity: K-12 

Credits:
An AmeriServ Financial, Inc. Production 
Music by SchneckMind
Hosted by Drew Thomas and Jeffrey Matevish

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AmeriServ by visiting ameriserv.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

DISCLAIMER
This podcast focuses on having valuable conversations on various topics related to banking and financial health. The podcast is grounded in having open conversations with professionals and experts, with the goal of helping to take some of the mystery out of financial and related topics; as learning about financial products and services can help you make more informed financial decisions. Please keep in mind that the information contained within this podcast, and any resources available for download from our website or other resources relating to Bank Chats is not intended, and should not be understood or interpreted to be, financial advice. The hosts, guests, and production staff of Bank Chats expressly recommend that you seek advice from a trusted financial professional before making financial decisions. The hosts of Bank Chats are not attorneys, accountants, or financial advisors, and the program is simply intended as one source of information. The podcast is not a substitute for a financial professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. AmeriServ Presents: Bank Chats is produced and distributed by AmeriServ Financial, Incorporated.