News & Announcements
SLS Blawg:
Student Legal Services is always thinking about how the law can affect IU students. Sometimes, our lawyers, interns and staff take off their power suits, change into their pajamas, nestle themselves behind their computers, and see the world from the vantage point of a real-life blogger. In the debut of the SLS blog, Randy Frykberg takes a look at how Facebook fans are doing more than de-friending their frenemies—they’re suing them.
“Wham, Bam, You got Scammed:”
We all know some college students are only here in hopes of making money. You should also know that others see college as a money-making opportunity without even enrolling. Scammers, con artists, cybercreeps, and Nigerian princes would love to get to know you better and welcome you to their world of internet fraud. Read this before signing over your student loan check to that nice guy on Craigslist.
Hunting Season Opens!
Apartment hunting used to be a rite of spring, but the Bloomington apartment market has changed. Students are now thinking about changing their digs while the leaves are still changing color. Landlords may tell you that the prime units are going fast, but you still have time to do a little extra homework. Take five minutes and review Student Legal Services’ Top Ten Things to Think About When You Rent. [link to existing piece]. When your landlord hands you a finely printed lease and a pen, make an appointment to schedule a lease review with SLS.
Scam Alert
If you’ve read the above links, you already know that some people are less-than honest on Facebook and that other people concoct scams to prey on college students. Apparently, those groups met at a party, went home together, and opted to be friends with benefits: The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that a hot new scam involves hacking into Facebook accounts and seeking cash from friends. This con is made possible when you open a spam email and infect your computer, causing it to allow access to your passwords. After accessing your Facebook account, the hacker contacts your friend list and claims to be in medical or legal trouble that only quick cash can solve.
Slam the Scam
Remember that just because it’s on Facebook doesn’t make it true. Does it make sense that foreign authorities and hospitals would seek to shake down your “friend” but also allow him or her a quick chance to pop onto Facebook? If a “friend” feels close enough to you to ask for bail/blackmail money, wouldn’t she have told you about her trip from Terre Haute to Tegucigalpa? Tell her to call you from the U.S. Consulate so you can get everything sorted out. Or just call her cell phone—she might be right where you left her. For more information, check: http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel09/networking_100109.htm.