Scholarship Scams
How do I recognize a scholarship scammer?
- 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.
