WARNINGS ABOUT SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS
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BEWARE OF SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS!!!
Need Money for College? Doesn't
everybody?
Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay
bills, many students and their families are prey
to scholarship scams. The FTC
cautions students to look for tell tale lines:
- "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 you
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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SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHES USING
THE INTERNET
As you search, BE CAUTIOUS!! Unfortunately, in
their efforts to pay the bills, many students and their
families are falling
prey to scholarship scams. The FTC cautions students to look for tell tale
lines:
- "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 all do the work."
- "The scholarship will cost some money."
- "You’ve been selected by a ‘national foundation’
to receive a scholarship."
- "You’re a finalist" in a contest you never
entered."
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If you are invited to attend a seminar on financial aid or
scholarships, follow these steps:
- Take your time. Don’t be rushed into paying at the
seminar. Avoid high-pressure sales pitches.
- Investigate the organization you’re considering paying
for help. Talk to your guidance counselor about it.
- Be wary of "success stories" or testimonials of
extraordinary success.
- Be cautious about purchasing from seminar representatives
who are reluctant to answer questions or who give evasive answers to your
questions.
- Ask how much money is charged for the service, the services
that will be performed and the company’s refund policy.
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