Whether shopping in-store or online, families should be on the lookout for red flags like too-good-to-be-true deals, fake websites, and phishing scams disguised as school-related promotions. Consumer reporter Josh Sidorowicz is in your corner with ways to shop smarter.

Back-to-school shopping is hitting families harder this year, with costs rising significantly across the country. Parents are facing increased expenses as they prepare for the school year, with some families spending thousands of dollars on supplies.

A new school year requires more than just a few pencils and notebooks. Here's how to control the high cost of back-to-school shopping.