Back 2 School: Help Getting School Supplies, Avoiding Scams

Posted September 2, 2011 in Consumer Law by Arthur Buono
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When you’re trying to make ends meet, the added cost of outfitting your children for school can be the last straw. There’s good news and bad. First, the good news. Some nonprofits are helping needy families with school supply costs.

     
  • Back to school can mean extra costs for families
  • Nonprofits offer supplies for free to needy applicants
  • Beware of shady operators who use school supply offers as a come-on
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Nonprofits Offering Free School Supplies; Frauds Making You Pay

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Help getting school supplies is available from local Boys and Girls Clubs. Additionally, some national companies, like office supply store Staples, are funding drives to collect and distribute supplies. In most cases families qualify for the free supplies based on income.

Now, the bad news. For every financial need or problem, there’s a scam to take advantage of it. A Houston woman got a payday loan hard-sell when applying for a school supplies bargain. In addition to giving up a ton of private personal information, she paid $17 for supplies she says she hasn’t received.

Payday loans are a last resort for a truly tight spot. They’re not for funding your regular lifestyle, including outfitting kids for school. Beware disreputable payday lenders and especially online services say they’ll match you with willing lenders. They may just be a front for a debit card or other money-wasting scam.

Related Apps for Your Smartphone*

- Budget – Track your spending and keep to a budget on the fly. $.99
- Invoice Robot – Create and send invoices from your mobile device. $1.99
- My Loan Calculator – Evaluate fixed-rate consumer and student loans, credit card debt. $1.99

*Please note that these apps are for informational purposes only, and neither LexisNexis nor Lawyers.com endorses these apps or accepts liability for their use.

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