Watch Out for Fraudulent Scholarship Services

There are many companies who attempt to scam parents of students looking for college funding. Fraudulent scholarships and related services can take many forms. If you receive an offer that uses on of these tactics, be suspicious. If you believe the offer is a scam, report it. Sometimes a scam persists for years before people catch on to it. Even when people realize they've been cheated, few try to take advantage of guarantees or to file a complaint. This advice can help you avoid becoming the victim of a scholarship scam.

Rules of Thumb

If you must pay money to get money, it might be a scam.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Spend the time, not the money.

Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships.

Nobody can guarantee that you'll win a scholarship.

Use caution if an application fee is required.

If you're suspicious of an offer, it's usually with good reason.

If you would like more information, contact the guidance office.

We have a nice handout with more information on scholarship scams.

Copyright 2000. An abridged adaptation of Mark Kantrowitz Web site www.finaid.org as of September 19, 2000.