Student Impersonation Scams Are on the Rise

As August rolls around and college students start packing up for campus life, parents have plenty on their minds. Between move‑in day, meal plans, and making sure that extra-long twin sheet set actually fits, there is one more thing worth preparing for: scam messages that pretend to come from your child.

What These Scams Look Like

One of the most common versions is often called the “Hi Mom/Dad” scam. It usually starts with a text from an unfamiliar number claiming to be your son or daughter. The story sounds urgent but believable. Maybe their phone broke, maybe they are locked out of an account, or maybe they need money right away for an emergency. These scams work because they are designed to trigger a parent’s natural instinct to help first and question later.

That tactic is paying off for criminals. The Federal Tax Commission (FTC) says consumers reported $15.9 billion in fraud losses in 2025, including more than $3.5 billion lost to imposter scams, while the FBI reported more than $20 billion in cybercrime-related losses that same year. The agency also reported that impersonation scams remain one of the most common fraud categories.

Warning Signs and What You Can Do About It

The warning signs are often subtle. The text comes from a number you do not recognize. The greeting feels a little off. The writing style does not sound like your child. There may be pressure to act immediately, a suspicious link, or a request to send money to an unfamiliar account. The best first move is simple: pause. Do not rush. Try contacting your child through their usual number, ask a question only they would know, or request a quick video call. The FTC also advises not replying to unexpected texts and not clicking links in those messages.

Scammers can use AI-generated voices to mimic a child on the phone, and a little healthy skepticism can save a lot of stress and money. Consider setting up a family code word for real emergencies before your student heads off to school. And always remember to avoid oversharing on social media and keep personal details private.

We believe staying safe online starts with staying informed. If you ever have questions about suspicious messages, online scams, or smart ways to protect your family and business, please give IT Radix a call.  We are here to help.

First published in our August 2026 IT Radix Resource newsletter