BBB warns against scams while preparing for the ACTs & SATs

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns high school students and their families to beware of scams while they’re preparing for college admissions tests this spring.

SAT and ACT scores are a big deal, and high school students and their families invest significant time and money into preparing for these college admissions tests.

Scammers know this, and BBB has received reports of scammers taking advantage of students by tricking their families into paying for bogus SAT and ACT prep materials.

This scam usually takes the form of a caller claiming to be from the College Board, the company responsible for SAT and ACT tests, or a similar educational organization.

The caller will say they need to confirm your address or payment information to send test prep materials, like books, CDs or videos, that your child requested at school.

In some reports, the caller knew the child’s personal information such as name, phone number and school address – making the call more believable.

In early 2023, one St. Louis consumer reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be from the College Board. She said that the caller asked to confirm her address and requested a $250 deposit to deliver test prep materials.

“It’s unfortunate that scammers would take advantage of students who are trying to prepare for a bright future in higher education,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO. “Remember that the College Board will never ask for payment information through phone or email, and don’t share your financial information with a stranger.”