As summer winds down and people prepare for back-to-school, travel, and end-of-year planning, scammers are more active than ever. August is a peak month for certain types of fraud — from fake tuition scams to bogus hurricane relief drives. Whether you’re a parent, student, retiree, or business owner, staying informed is your best defense.

Here are the top scams to watch out for in August 2025:

1. Back-to-School Shopping Scams

With schools starting up, scammers are targeting parents and students through fake online stores offering “limited time” deals on school supplies, electronics, and clothing.

Red Flags:

  • Suspiciously low prices

  • No customer reviews

  • Poor-quality website with broken English

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Stick to reputable retailers

  • Use secure payment methods (avoid Zelle, Venmo, or wire transfers for unknown vendors)

  • Check for HTTPS and verified contact info

2. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

As discussions around student debt relief continue, scammers are seizing the opportunity. They pose as government agents offering quick loan forgiveness — for a fee.

Warning Signs:

  • Upfront fees

  • High-pressure tactics

  • Requests for your FSA ID or Social Security Number

What to Do:

  • Only communicate through official government websites like studentaid.gov

  • Never pay for help with federal student loans — it’s free

3. Hurricane and Disaster Relief Scams

With hurricane season in full swing, fake charities and crowdfunding campaigns pop up fast after major storms. They tug at your heartstrings to get quick donations.

Spot the Scam:

  • Vague or emotional appeals

  • No detailed mission or contact info

  • No record on watchdog sites like Charity Navigator or Guidestar

Protect Yourself:

  • Donate directly to trusted organizations

  • Verify campaigns before sending money

4. Travel Deal Scams

August is a popular month for last-minute vacations. Scammers offer unbeatable deals on flights, cruises, and hotels — only for victims to find out they’ve paid for nothing.

Warning Signs:

  • Unsolicited emails or texts

  • Payment only accepted via gift cards or wire transfers

  • Fake booking confirmation pages

Tip:
Always book through verified travel platforms or agencies, and research any unfamiliar service thoroughly.

5. AI Voice Cloning Scams

One of the fastest-growing scams in 2025 involves AI-generated voice messages. Criminals can now clone the voice of your loved one — and call you pretending they’re in danger or need money.

How It Works:

  • Scammers use social media videos to capture someone’s voice

  • They simulate a distress call asking for urgent money

Stay Safe:

  • Have a family “code word” for emergencies

  • Never act on emotion — verify any emergency request with another trusted source

6. Job Offer Scams

New grads and job-seekers are being targeted with fake offers, often for remote positions. Scammers may ask for banking details, personal info, or even send fake checks.

Key Red Flags:

  • Job offer without an interview

  • Requests for personal data early in the process

  • Offers that seem too good to be true

Solution:
Research the company and contact them directly via their official website. Never accept payment before doing due diligence.

Final Thoughts

Scammers are constantly evolving — and August brings seasonal opportunities for them to take advantage of busy, distracted individuals. Stay alert, question urgency, and always verify before you trust.

If something feels off, it probably is.