WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) - New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is putting out the word about SAT prep test scams. This, after Gates Chili Schools warned of a similar scam last month. The agency is reminding the public about a new scam about calls claiming to be from the College Board or other educational institutions about prep materials their child requested at school. SCAM ALERT: Back-to-school scams, what to look for The caller may have the student’s name and the school they attend. This makes the caller seem legitimate. However, the caller then asks for an address and a credit card number for a deposit, claiming the deposit will be refunded once the test prep material is returned. According to the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker, parents who gave their information never received material and lost their deposit, and now the scammer has their credit card information as well. "As young New Yorkers prepare for the upcoming round of tests, we are urging both parents and students to be vigilant in protecting their sensitive information. Do your research before offering any payments and remember, you should not share personal or financial information over the phone with unsolicited callers." New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley The Department of Consumer Protection has some tips on how to combat this scam: Understand The College Board’s Practices: The College Board is the organization responsible for the SAT exams. They offer free materials to prepare for the SATs on their website. You can find the information here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice The College Board will call to follow up on student inquiries but does not make unsolicited calls or ask for your credit card/bank information or passwords over the phone. You can find out more information on how they operate here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice Check with your child: If the caller says they are calling about a request from your child, let the caller know you need to confirm with your child before you talk to them. If you need to call the College Board back so you can confirm with your child, contact them directly at 866-680-9990. Do not trust unknown phone numbers provided by an unsolicited caller. Confirm the legitimacy of the organization and always be wary of unsolicited calls: If the caller claims to be with another educational organization besides the College Board, research the organization before deciding to work with them. Search for the organization name and reported scams or complaints. Ask other parents if they have worked with the organization. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.