Cybersecurity News. PHOTO: Cybercrime Magazine.
11 Jun Parents: How To Help Your College Students Avoid Roommate Scams
Media outlets and cybersecurity industry experts have been warning for the past several years about a persistent scheme that targets college students on Craigslist, apartment rental sites and social media.
“Every year, there is a scam that goes around college campuses that impacts hundreds of college students and young adults,” The College Investor reported in 2023. “Roommate scams, and if you’re not careful, it could cost you hundreds (maybe even thousands) of dollars.”
There are reports of the scam around major college towns across the country every year, including San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. It also doesn’t just hit college students, but also anyone who rents a room.
So why after years of being warned are students still falling for these scams in 2026?
Alissa (Dr Jay) Abdullah, PhD, SVP and Deputy Chief Security Officer at Mastercard, and host of the popular “Mastering Cyber” series on the Cybercrime Magazine Podcast, tries a different approach to combating fraudsters who prey on college students on her latest episode – warning parents.
“One of the biggest red flags – someone who avoids video calls,” says Dr Jay, who goes on with a list of signs to help spot fake roommates.
Parents are notorious for nagging their kids about dangerous activities, and they often break through despite how annoying it might be. With high school grads gearing up for their freshman year at college and looking for roommates, now is the time for Mom and Dad to throw up their warning signs.