<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For many Tulane students, GroupMe chats serve as a vital resource for coordinating class assignments, buying and selling tickets, and staying connected with campus organizations. However, what occurs when a seemingly harmless transaction turns into a costly mistake? Unfortunately, I have found that scammers have infiltrated these trusted spaces, targeting students who are seeking quick and convenient deals. I learned this lesson the hard way.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, I quickly learned that not every deal in these chats is as legitimate as it seems. Just finishing my Brain and Behavior class, I was buzzing with excitement that my car had finally arrived on campus. I couldn’t wait to secure my parking permit. It seemed like a straightforward task, but I had no idea it would soon turn into a costly mistake.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It all started with a message in my class GroupMe from someone named Madeline. My “peer” claimed to be selling her parking permit for just $200, a tempting discount from the usual $375. Having successfully purchased items through GroupMe before—Mardi Gras tickets, clothes, even textbooks—I didn’t think twice. The deal seemed too good to pass up.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Looking back, there were red flags I should have noticed. Madeline had no last name listed in the chat and insisted on using Apple Cash, claiming her Venmo wasn’t working. Unlike Venmo, which offers some fraud protection, Apple Cash transactions are final—once the money is sent, it’s gone. But in my eagerness to secure the permit, I ignored these warning signs.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The scam unfolded fast. After I sent the money, I received a text—supposedly from &#8220;Apple Support&#8221;—stating that the transaction had failed and my refund would be processed within 48 hours. At the same time, Madeline messaged me again, claiming she never received the payment and asking me to resend it. That’s when reality hit: I had been scammed.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Frustrated and determined to understand what had happened, I started researching and found that this type of scam is alarmingly common. Scammers target students through class, club, and social GroupMe chats—spaces we assume are safe. Even more concerning, these fraudsters somehow gain access to closed groups, despite the QR code scanning process meant to limit entry.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This situation serves as an important reminder about digital awareness. It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of any deal before sending money, regardless of how trustworthy it may appear. If an individual is unwilling to use a payment platform that offers fraud protection, this should be regarded as a significant warning sign. Additionally, it is important to remember that a GroupMe chat linked to your class or club is not automatically secure against scams. Always exercise caution and conduct thorough checks before making any financial transactions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To my fellow Tulane students: I urge you to remain vigilant. In a world where online convenience can easily lead to complacency, embracing a bit of skepticism can protect you from making costly mistakes. If something seems off, trust your instincts—once the money is gone, it&#8217;s gone for good.</span></p>
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Beware: GroupMe Scammers In Tulane Community Chats
Feature image via Sofia Rudelman, Graphic Design Team