Indicates you won an award for which you did not apply
Does not supply valid contact information
Guarantees you will win an award
Requires personal financial information (such as, credit card numbers or checking account numbers) to verify or hold a scholarship
Charges a fee to apply for a scholarship
How do I recognize a legitimate scholarship services?
Does not guarantee you will win an award
Sends information about awards when you request it
Makes contact information available upon request
Should not direct you to a fee-based provider because they know that financial aid information is readily available for free
What if you suspect a scam?
Save all of the forms you receive from the company
Keep copies of written details about the offer and any correspondence, emails or other paperwork
Make sure all materials are dated
Take notes during seminars and phone conversations (record the date, time, phone number and the person’s name with whom you spoke)
Include a detailed account of your conversation
Take a copy of all literature and correspondence concerning the scholarship to your school’s financial aid office, who can verify the organization is legitimate.