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!
Seminars: »»
| Claim | Reality |
| Our presentation is completely free. | While the presentation is free, a seminar may use high pressure tactics to try to get you signed up for the service. It may also claim that the price will increase if you do not sign up now, or that questions can be answered only if you pay. |
| We can help you complete the complicated forms. | Everyone needs the same information to complete the forms. If you pay for help, it is still up to you to do the work of assembling the information. |
| We'll find the loopholes to help you save money. | The company may be encouraging you to commit fraud by entering inaccurate info to make it seem like you earn less money. These practices are dishonest and illegal. |
Consultants: »»
| Claim | Reality |
| We'll help you complete the complicated forms. | You still have to fill out the same basic information for a fee-based service that you would for the FAFSA; how else would they get your information? |
| We'll find different ways to report your income and assets to obtain more aid. | A) This information is available for free at FinAid.org, B) While these services can be legitimate, remember that colleges can request additional documentation about your finances. |
Found a Scam?
Report a suspected scammer to local law enforcement, and any of the following organizations: »»
| Organization | Web Address | Phone Number |
| National Fraud Information Center (NFIC) | www.fraud.org | 1-800-876-7060 |
| United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) | www.usps.com/postalinspectors/fraud | 1-800-654-8896 |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | www.bbb.org | 1-703-276-0100 |
| Federal Trade Commission (FTC) | www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams | 1-877-382-4357 |
Information compiled and originally published by FastWeb (www.fastweb.com).
Financial Aid News & Updates
The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy for financial aid recipients will change at the end of the Spring 2012 semester. This change is due to new federal regulations. Click the graphic to learn more.
Financial Aid Status
Wondering about the status of your financial aid? Log into myYC and click on "My Financial Aid" to see up-to-date information.
Online Payment Plan
Yavapai College offers an online interest-free monthly payment plan. There is a $25.00 non-refundable set up fee required per semester. Log into myYC and click on "My Bills & Payments" to enroll.
Contact Us
- Prescott Financial Aid
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- Fax (928) 776-2030
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