A Dayton-area bank has claimed to have identified a new financial aid scam targeting students, including students at Sinclair Community College.
A representative of a local bank said he contacted Sinclair Police and the Student Leadership Development Office, describing a con in which a man, claiming to be from an existing financial institution, approaches students with the offer of quick and easy financial aid awards in exchange for their debit card and pin number. Shortly after handing over his card and information, a fraudulent check is deposited into the student’s bank account and the student’s funds are drained.
The representative of the bank who contacted Sinclair said at least two Sinclair students have been identified as falling prey to the scam. He also said the consequences of the scam go beyond just a depleted bank account, and that the cardholder could also be held responsible for depositing a fraudulent check.
“Do not give your debit card and pin number out to anybody — for any reason,” he said. Although he could not verify the occurrence of this specific scam on Sinclair’s Dayton campus, the bank representative said no legitimate banker would ever merely need one’s debit card and pin number in order to grant financial aid to a student.
President of the Student Government Association Brandon Whitehorn was quick to notify others of the possible trap, and said he’s concerned about his fellow students.
“My hope is that people spread the word, so this doesn’t happen to other Sinclair students.” Whitehorn said. “It’s as easy as keeping your debit card in you pocket.”
Sinclair Police Chief Charles Gift offered the following tips from the Sinclair Department of Public Safety’s fraud precautions:
• Always do some research and know who you are dealing with.
• Never give out your social security or credit card number.
• Don’t send money to strangers, wiring money is essentially the same as sending cash.
• Regularly check your bank statements.
• There is always risks involved when investing.
Don’t allow others the ability to deposit money into your account.
• Don’t reply to messages requesting personal or financial information.
• Steer clear of foreign lotteries.
“If whatever someone is asking you to do seems too good to be true, it usually is too good to be true – so, don’t do it,” Gift said.
Gift said if someone believes he is the victim of a scam, contact the police department within the jurisdiction in which the scam occurred. He added if the scam occurred on Sinclair’s campus or on a Sinclair computer, contact Sinclair Campus Police by calling 937-512-2700 or visiting the Dispatch Office in Building 7, Room 112.
“The Sinclair Police are very concerned about any crimes that may occur on campus. Our main responsibility is to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for students, faculty and staff,” Gift said. “If somebody sees something, they should say something and contact the police.”
Gift said Sinclair’s Dayton campus is considered the safest location within the city of Dayton.