11 Jun Parents: How To Help Your College Students Avoid Roommate Scams
in Blogs
This week in cybersecurity from the editors at Cybercrime Magazine
Sausalito, Calif. – Jun. 11, 2026
– Listen to the podcast
Media outlets and cybersecurity industry experts have been warning for the past several years about a persistent scheme that targets college students on Craigslist, apartment rental sites and social media.
“Every year, there is a scam that goes around college campuses that impacts hundreds of college students and young adults,” The College Investor reported in 2023. “Roommate scams, and if you’re not careful, it could cost you hundreds (maybe even thousands) of dollars.”
There are reports of the scam around major college towns across the country every year, including San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. It also doesn’t just hit college students, but also anyone who rents a room.
So why after years of being warned are students still falling for these scams in 2026?
Alissa (Dr Jay) Abdullah, PhD, SVP and Deputy Chief Security Officer at Mastercard, and host of the popular “Mastering Cyber” series on the Cybercrime Magazine Podcast, tries a different approach to combating fraudsters who prey on college students on her latest episode – warning parents.
“One of the biggest red flags – someone who avoids video calls,” says Dr Jay, who goes on with a list of signs to help spot fake roommates.
Parents are notorious for nagging their kids about dangerous activities, and they often break through despite how annoying it might be. With high school grads gearing up for their freshman year at college and looking for roommates, now is the time for Mom and Dad to throw up their warning signs.
Listen to the Podcast Episode
Cybercrime Magazine is Page ONE for Cybersecurity. Go to any of our sections to read the latest:
- SCAM. The latest schemes, frauds, and social engineering attacks being launched on consumers globally.
- NEWS. Breaking coverage on cyberattacks and data breaches, and the most recent privacy and security stories.
- HACK. Another organization gets hacked every day. We tell you who, what, where, when, and why.
- VC. Cybersecurity venture capital deal flow with the latest investment activity from various sources around the world.
- M&A. Cybersecurity mergers and acquisitions including big tech, pure cyber, product vendors and professional services.
- BLOG. What’s happening at Cybercrime Magazine. Plus the stories that don’t make headlines (but maybe they should).
- PRESS. Cybersecurity industry news and press releases in real time from the editors at Business Wire.
- PODCAST. New episodes daily on the Cybercrime Magazine Podcast feature victims, law enforcement, vendors, and cybersecurity experts.
- RADIO. Tune into WCYB Digital Radio at Cybercrime.Radio, the first and only round-the-clock internet radio station devoted to cybersecurity.
Contact us to send story tips, feedback and suggestions, and for sponsorship opportunities and custom media productions.
