Beware of back to school scams is one warning from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection ahead of the academic year.

“We see a lot of traps that people can fall into, sometimes when you get unsolicited email offers,” says Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Lorelei Salas

Salas says her goal is to protect consumers in New York City. She says there is always something to watch out for.

"We have been seeing a lot of impersonators of government officials. And so right now you may be hearing about the Department of Education staff, reaching out to families to offer laptops at a discount or internet access at a discount, that is not true,” says Salas.

Her department put together a list for smart back to school shopping tips.

She says to understand return policies from where you are buying from and keep those receipts.

"Keep your receipts if you end up in a dispute with that business, we would need to be able to see your proof of purchase in order to try and mediate that dispute,” says Salas.

Along with watching for scams, Commissioner Salas also works to help with the financial health of New Yorkers.

She recommends turning back-to-school shopping into a lesson.

“It is also an opportunity to start teaching our kids, how to be conscious about the money you are spending,” says Salas.

New Yorkers can get a financial lesson too, by calling 311 and being connected to a free financial counselor.