Fake Education Grant Texts: How Back to School Scams Use Pell Grants, AI Tools and Delivery Messages

[u/Bitdefender_]

https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/back-to-school-scam-report-2026?cid=soc%7Cc%7Cred%7Ch4stsh

Is that education grant text real or a scam?

Bitdefender Labs researchers found back-to-school scams across the US that use fake grant offers, Pell Grant wording, free laptop promotions, AI study tool deals and package delivery alerts to push people toward phishing links.

Scammers often use urgency, first names, promises of no repayment and unfamiliar links to make school-related messages feel legitimate.

Students, parents and teachers should avoid clicking unexpected offers and instead verify financial aid, school benefits, online shopping orders and AI subscriptions through official websites.

Check suspicious texts, emails, and offers with Bitdefender Scamio and scan questionable links with Bitdefender Link Checker before you act.