Avoiding Scams

Unfortunately, some individuals or companies find students and parents in need of ways to pay for college as easy targets for scholarship scams.  The Federal Trade Commission cautions students in search of scholarships to be wary of any individual or organization that asks for money by claiming any of the following:

"The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."

"You can't get this information anywhere else."

"I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship."

"We'll do all the work."

"The scholarship will cost some money."

You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship or "you're a finalist' in a contest you never entered.

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The Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Education, and Office of Inspector General have some excellent information regarding financial aid scams and warning signs.  More information can be found at:

• FTC information regarding scams
• Looking for Student Aid...Without Getting Scammed  (Department of Education)
• FTC Consumer Alert
• Office of Inspector General information regarding scams