Beware of Scholarship Scams
advoiding being taken in by scammers
There are lots of scholarship dollars available, but no one can secure a scholarship for you but you. Only the prospective student can do the work of filling out forms, sending transcripts, and writing essays.
According to the FTC:
Unscrupulous companies guarantee or promise scholarships, grants or fantastic financial aid packages. Many use high pressure sales pitches at seminars where you're required to pay immediately or risk losing out on the "opportunity."
Some unscrupulous companies guarantee that they can get scholarships on behalf of students or award them "scholarships" in exchange for an advance fee. Most offer a "money back guarantee" – but attach conditions that make it impossible to get the refund.
A general rule to follow is, "if they request money from you in order to get money", they are likely a scam.
More information:
- students get stung trying to find money for college: ftc facts file
- reporting scholarship scams: ftc complaint line