Scholarship Scams Tip Sheet

10 Scam Warning Signs

Several of these red flags could be an indication that you are dealing with a scholarship scam:

1. Fees: Scammers use bogus fees such as application, disbursement, redemption, and processing fees as a way to take your money. Scholarships should not require any fees.
2. Credit card or bank account information needed: Never give credit card or bank account info to receive aid. If you have, call your bank or credit card issuer immediately.
3. Scholarship guarantee: No on controls judges decisions, Be wary of high success rates,” which often refer to award matches, not award winners.
4. No work involved: Legitimate scholarship applications require time. No one should complete them for you.
5. No contact information: Be sure to confirm the sponsor's contact info. They should supply a valid 3-mail, mailing address and phone number upon request.
6. Unsolicited scholarships: If you are called to receive an award for which you never applied, be alert. Ask where the sponsor got your contact information.
7. Pressure tactics: Never allow yourself to be pressured into applying for a scholarship, especially if the sponsor asking you to pay money up front.
8. Claims of exclusive scholarships: Legitimate sponsors will not restrict knowledge about their award to a single service.
9. An official-sounding name or endorsement does not automatically mean legitimacy: A sponsor may use words like national,education or federal or have an official-looking seal, but might still be a scammer.
10. Your questions aren't answered directly: Proceed with caution if you are not given a straight answer from a sponsor regarding their application, what will be done with your information or other questions.

Creative Scams: Seminars & Consultants

Seminars and Consultants find creative ways to take your money. Know the warning signs and avoid getting scammed!

Found a Scam?

Report a suspected scammer to local law enforcement, and any of the following organizations:

Information compiled and originally published by FastWeb (www.fastweb.com).

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