Don’t Get Scammed on Your Way to College
Look for six signs that a scholarship search may be a scholarship scam!
- “This Scholarship is guaranteed or your money back”
No one can guarantee they’ll get you a scholarship. Refund guarantees often have conditions or strings attached. Get refund policies in writing – before you pay!!
- “You can’t get this information anywhere else”
Many free lists of scholarships available. Check with your school or library before you pay someone to do the work for you.
- “May I have your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship?”
Don’t give out your credit card or bank account number on the phone without getting information in writing first. It may be a set-up for an unauthorized withdrawal from your account.
- “We’ll do all the work”
Don’t be fooled. There is no way around it. You must apply for the scholarship for yourself.
- “The scholarship will cost some money.”
Don’t pay anyone who claims to be “holding” a scholarship for you. Free money should not cost a thing.
- “You’ve been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship.” –or- “You’re a finalist” in a contest you have never entered. Before you send money to apply for a scholarship, check it out. Make sure the foundation or program is legitimate.*
*This information has been provided by the Federal Trade Commission, P.O. Box 996, Washington, D.C. 20580, www.ftc.gov
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