RICHMOND (WINA) – The Central Virginia Better Business Bureau is warning local college and university students and parents about a scam reported by the FBI targeting college students and university bookstores.  BBB President Barry Moore says a scammer will approach a college student at or near a bookstore and claim they have misplaced their student ID and will request the other student scan their ID so the scammer can make a purchase. Moore says in many cases the purchases are expensive electronics. It turns out later the scammer has used a fake or stolen credit card, the the student whose ID was scanned became an unwilling accomplice in a crime.

Moore says these scams put students at risk of being associated with criminal activity, so there’s no circumstance a student lend their student ID to a stranger. He calls it unfortunate because these criminals are preying upon a generous nature among many college students. Moore says many students — especially first-years — are more than willing to help another first-year out, and criminals take advantage of these very good people.

The FBI offers a reminder to students that in the event your are approached on your college campus or on the Grounds, do not agree to assist with a purchase for someone who doesn’t have a valid student ID. If you are approached by someone with this request or one similar — say no, then make sure to notify the campus police,