As the holiday season approaches, Missouri State University Safety reminds students and families to be alert to scams designed to steal money and personal information. From holiday shopping and package deliveries to fraudulent emergency calls, scammers often take advantage of busy schedules and the emotions associated with the holidays. 

Here are some common scams to watch for this holiday season.

Student Emergency Scams: A Warning for Parents
Imagine receiving a frantic phone call from someone claiming your college student has been arrested, injured, or involved in an emergency. The caller insists that money must be sent immediately and warns you not to contact anyone else.

Scammers may even use artificial intelligence (AI) to imitate a loved one’s voice, making these calls especially convincing.

Safety Tip: Before sending money, contact your student directly using a phone number you already know. Families may also consider establishing a private verification word or phrase that can be used during suspicious emergency calls.

Fake Package Delivery Notifications
During the holidays, students and families may receive text messages claiming a package cannot be delivered because of an incorrect address or an unpaid delivery fee. These messages often contain links designed to steal financial or personal information.

Safety Tip: Do not click unexpected delivery links. Instead, check package tracking directly through the retailer or shipping company’s official website.

Holiday Shopping Scams

Scammers create convincing websites and social media advertisements offering popular electronics, clothing, and other gifts at unusually low prices. Unfortunately, shoppers may receive counterfeit merchandise, nothing at all, or have their payment information stolen.

Safety Tip: Research unfamiliar retailers, be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and use credit cards or other payment methods that offer fraud protection.

Fake University Payment Requests
Students and parents should be cautious of unexpected emails or text messages claiming tuition, housing, or other university fees must be paid immediately to avoid registration problems or penalties.

Safety Tip: Always verify payment requests through official Missouri State University websites or by contacting the appropriate university office directly.

Seasonal Employment Scams
Students looking for extra income over winter break may encounter fraudulent job offers promising excellent pay for little work. Some scams involve fake checks, requests for personal banking information, or demands for upfront payments.

Safety Tip: Legitimate employers do not require applicants to pay to secure employment. Never deposit a check and send a portion of the funds back to someone offering you a job.

Three Simple Steps to Avoid Becoming a Victim:

STOP: Be cautious of unexpected messages, urgent demands for payment, and requests for personal information.
VERIFY: Contact the individual, company, or university department independently using a trusted phone number or official website.
REPORT: Report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Students who receive suspicious messages involving the university or campus safety concerns may contact University Safety at 417-836-5509.

A Final Reminder for Families
One of the most effective ways to avoid scams is to slow down and verify information before acting. Scammers rely on fear, excitement, and urgency to pressure people into making quick decisions.
Take a few minutes this holiday season to discuss these scams with your student and establish a plan for verifying unexpected emergency calls.

From all of us at Missouri State University Safety, we wish our students and families a safe, enjoyable, and scam-free holiday season!