NCDPI Cybersecurity Update: April 2026

Dear Orange County Schools Community,

SCAM ALERT: APRIL 2026

We want to help families avoid being scammed by people who might pose as test-prep or testing providers and ask you for money or information.

The NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) says they have heard about people illegally contacting families, students, and school districts and posing as test-prep or other test-related companies (for example: WIDA, ACCESS, or The ACT). 

Scammers may use email, phone, or text messaging to contact their targets. To make targets think they are a legitimate business, they may share information such as a student’s name, address, or grade level.

Here is what NCDPI told us:

“Under no circumstances will NCDPI ask for payment with regards to these tests. NCDPI has also made The ACT aware of the situation. The ACT does not use email, postal, or telephone campaigns to sell third party test prep resources or services.”

They also said: 

Carefully investigate any test prep offer and be on the lookout for the common signs of scams:

• Sense of urgency
• Suspicious domains, links, or attachments
• Unexpected payment requests

If you think you have been contacted by a scammer:

Families, reach out to your school and speak with the testing coordinator if you receive any test-related message that seems suspicious, especially if the sender contacted you first.

You may find this information helpful:

• https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/how-to-avoid-scams
• https://www.ic3.gov/

We are glad to share this information to help you avoid being scammed and to keep your child’s information secure. Thank you as always for your partnership with Orange County Schools.

 

Last updated April 26, 2026