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The best way to avoid these scams is to educate yourself about them and the ways to avoid them.

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Here are some of the most common back-to-school scamsto be on the lookout for.

Cusick cautions that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

To steer clear of a textbook scam, buy only from trusted sources or retailers.

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However, its important to be discerning when applying for scholarships to avoid scams.

Scammers target college students by claiming to offer scholarships, grants and other financial aid packages, Cusick said.

A legitimate scholarship wouldnt randomly guarantee money; it requires an tool process.

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You should be wary of anyone who asks for bank or personal account information before the scholarship is awarded.

Another sign that a scholarship is a scam is if someone reaches out to you versus you applying.

Students may get unsolicited proposals viaphone, mail or emailwith an offer of scholarship.

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If you did not request information from that provider, its a red flag, Cusick said.

In addition, never pay a fee to receive a scholarship or to apply for financial aid.

Avoid services that claim youll only be eligible for a scholarship if you provide an up-front payment.

And never provide your personal information to unverified sources.

Unfortunately, there are many scammers looking to take advantage of them.

Scammers may claim to be recruiters for corporate companies, Cusick said.

Always be wary of any job offer that seems too good to be true.

This can make them vulnerable to housing scams.

Once the money is sent to the scammer, they disappear with your money.

To avoid this key in of scam, look out for the following warning signs.

Avoid any listing that requires you to act immediately, Cusick said.

If you cannot meet in person and see the rental before you pay, keep looking.

These are signs of a scam.

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