Phone Scam Targets Parents about SAT Prep

SAN ANGELO, TX – There is another phone scam going around, but this time it is targeting parents of high school students preparing for college. The scammers claim to be from The College Board which is the organization that is responsible for the PSAT and SAT tests.

They are calling or emailing people, asking for credit card numbers so they can send PSAT prep materials that the student has supposedly requested. The scammers usually have the student’s name, address and phone number which makes the scam seem more believable. Except for the face that your student didn't ask for materials, and it’s not this group that is calling.

Here are some tips to avoid a test prep scam: https://go.usa.gov/xPUZT

• The real College Board will never ask you to give credit card, bank account or password information over the phone or via email.

• Make sure the company offering test prep materials is legitimate. Before you give up your money or personal information, research the company online. Search for their name plus the word “scam” or “complaint.” See about other people’s experiences and talk to someone you trust, like another parent or your child’s school counselor, before you pay.

• Consider how you pay. Credit cards have significant fraud protection built in meaning that, if you find out you paid a scammer, you may be able to get your money back if you report it quickly. If anyone asks you to pay by wiring money or by using a re-loadable card or gift card, it’s a scam.

If you have been targeted by a scam, whether you lost money or not, let us know at ftc.gov/complaint.