How to spot and avoid back-to-school shopping scams

The first day of school will be here before you know it. School supplies can be expensive, so it makes sense to search out the best prices – just make sure you’re not falling for a deal that’s too good to be true.

Plenty of retailers capitalize on the busy back-to-school buying season with late summer sales. Unfortunately, scammers and untrustworthy vendors may also take advantage of the demand with phishing attempts or ads with outrageous deals.

This is a busy time of year, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by back-to-school deals and advertising. Planning ahead can help you save money and shop safely.

How do I get the best deals on school supplies?

• Make a list and set a budget. Your child will likely receive a supply list from their school, but you may want to make a personal list for other essentials like clothes or backpacks. Start by “shopping at home” for any supplies left over from last year. From there, determine what you still need to buy and set your budget.
• Research big-ticket items. If your child needs a laptop, tablet or other expensive item, make sure to research brands, compare prices and learn about warranties and return policies before you buy. You can search retailers at BBB.org to see their rating, BBB Accreditation status and reviews from other customers.
• Shop sales and tax-free weekends. Keep an eye out for sales, coupons and rebates from your favorite stores. You can also save money by doing your back-to-school shopping on a tax-free week or weekend – Missouri’s tax-free weekend for school supplies is August 7-9, 2026 and Illinois’ tax-free week is August 7-16, 2026. Remember that just because a store advertises a back-to-school sale doesn’t necessarily mean all items are tax-free.
• Buy in bulk. Some teachers may ask parents to help supply items like tissues or hand sanitizer for the class. You may be able to save by pooling your money with other parents and guardians to buy these items in bulk.
• Check for student discounts. Many stores offer student or teacher discounts on back-to-school items.

How do I avoid back-to-school shopping scams?

• Shop safe online. Comparing prices between retailers can help you get the best deals, but shop with retailers you trust. If you’re considering buying from a new store, check its BBB Business Profile to make sure it has a good track record before you buy. Be wary of clicking on links in online ads or emails, especially those that show items from your search history. Follow BBB’s online shopping tips to keep your personal information secure.
• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary if you see ads, especially on social media, for high-demand back-to-school items priced at a steep discount. Keep in mind that some companies rarely offer sales – if you see huge discounts for their products, do more research.
• Use a credit card. Paying with a credit card makes it easier to dispute a charge or get your money back if something goes wrong with your purchase.

BBB has more back-to-school tips for students and their parents or guardians at https://www.bbb.org/all/back-to-school

Don O'Brien, Better Business Bureau Quincy

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Don O’Brien is the regional director for the Better Business Bureau office in Quincy.

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