RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – If you’re looking for a tutor for homework and tests, the Better Business Bureau warns. College and high school students who hire help with their homework are falling victim to extortion scams. The BBB is seeing an increase in reports of fraudulent tutors making money by threatening to report cheating students.

Once you pay, instead of helping you with your homework, the scammer demands more money. The scammer claims the money is for further research or other excuses.

Students lose hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you are a victim, you can report it to the Better Business Bureau by clicking here.

Tips to avoid homework helper scams:

According to the BBB, hiring someone to do your school work is fraud. But if you hire a tutor To help you understand the course material, follow these tips.

• Ask for recommendations. Ask friends, family, and teachers if they have any recommendations. Some schools even offer free or low-cost tutoring to Honor Society students, so be sure to ask at the school.
• Check references. You should ask the tutor or tutoring service for references and then contact them. It is best to speak to at least three references. Ask about their experience with the tutor and what success they have achieved.
• Decide in advance about availability and prices. While tutors may charge extra for extra hours before an important exam, this should all be discussed and negotiated in advance. Last-minute surprises and demands are signs that the company is not quite so conscientious.

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