Scholarship Scams
3 Ways You Can Avoid Them
Free $$ is Free $$, Right? WRONG!
There are many organizations out there that will exploit students and parents with the prospect of providing money to help pay for a student's future after high school. There are many scams to be aware of before you begin the sometimes labor intensive process of scholarship searching. Here are a few scams to watch out for:
Asking For $ Up Front
Abort! Abort! Abort! If you are EVER asked to pay money up front for a "scholarship" it is a SCAM! Same goes for those pesky "application fees". No legitimate scholarship requires an application fee or deposit. Save that money for all the college application fees, because those can add up...jeesh!
A Deposit For A Loan? Really?
If it sounds fishy, it probably is. If you've been offered a loan then you won't be asked to submit a deposit. Loans to operate that way, but loan scams do. I'm noticing a theme here...no money should be given up front, especially for a supposed loan.
Scholarship Search Services Are Suspect
Be cautious to provide money to a company that states they will guarantee a scholarship is awarded or they'll refund your money. Insurance companies do provide free financial aid seminars but often times are disguised as sales pitches.
Free $ Is Available Just Be Smart About It
There are loads of free scholarship search websites that don't ask for money up front or have hidden agendas. Be cautious and don't allow fraudulent scholarships to "win" you over.
College Admissions and Career Counseling
Providing students with the knowledge and guidance to make an informed decision about their next step after high school and supporting parents in the process.
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