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From Mirror staff reports
Some Pennsylvania parents are being targeted in a scam using their children's upcoming college placement exams as the bait.
According to state Attorney General Michelle Henry in a news release, scammers are contacting parents whose children will soon be taking the SATs, PSATs or ACTs and posing as employees at the College Board. The scammers reportedly use the children's personal information to assuage any concerns the parents may have.
After confirming the student's address and name, parents are told the College Board needs a deposit for preparation materials for the tests. The scammers reportedly assure the parents that the deposit will be reimbursed after the prep materials are returned.
Henry's office is urging people who may receive a similar call to be wary of unsolicited phone calls asking for payments. The release advises parents to check with their children or spouse before moving forward with any sort of payment, stating that the College Board will never ask for bank or credit card information over the phone.
"There is a lot of pressure and anxiety that go along with being prepared for these exams, so make sure you remain vigilant and protect yourself in coming months," Henry said in the release. "Always remember to pause and think before offering personal information or any type of payment."
Anyone who believes they have been victimized by this scam can submit a complaint to the Attorney General's office online at www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/scams-complaint/, by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov or by calling the office at 1-800-441-2555.