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10 Scam Warning Signs
Knowing the warning signs can keep you from being a scholarship
scam victim.
- Fees: You shouldn't have to pay to search
for or apply for scholarships. Check out the free scholarship
search at www.fastweb.com/
- Credit card or bank account information needed:
You should never have to give credit card or bank account information
to award providers.
- Scholarship guarantee: No one can guarantee
that you'll win a scholarship because no one can control scholarship
judges' decisions. Also, be wary of "high success rates"
- they usually do not refer to actual award winners.
- No work involved: You can't avoid putting in
time to fill out a scholarship application.
- No contact information: Legitimate sponsors
should provide contact information upon request. If the sponsor
does not supply a valid e-mail address, phone number and mailing
address (not a PO box) upon request, that could be a sign of a
scam.
- Unsolicited scholarships: If you are called
to receive an award for which you never applied, be alert - it's
most likely a scam.
- Pressure tactics: Don't allow yourself to be
pressured into applying for a scholarship, especially if the sponsor
is asking for money.
- Claims of "exclusive" scholarships:
Sponsors don't make their scholarships available only through
one service.
- Sponsor goes out of their way to sound "official":
Scammers sometimes use official-sounding words like "national,"
"education" or "federal" or they display an
official-looking seal to fool you into thinking they are legit.
Check with your school if you question a scholarship provider's
legitimacy.
- Your questions aren't answered directly: If
you can't get a straight answer from a sponsor regarding their
application, what will be done with your information or other
questions, proceed with caution.
Suspect a Scam?
If you think you may be dealing with a scammer, follow the directions
below:
- Save all forms you receive from the suspect company. Keep copies
of written details about the offer and any correspondence, emails
or other paperwork. Make sure all materials are dated.
- Takes notes during any seminar or phone conversations. Record
the date, time, phone number and the person's name with whom you
spoke. Also include a detailed account of your conversation.
- Report the suspected scammer to any of the following organizations:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Fill out an online complaint form or call toll-free:
PH: 877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Web: www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams
National Fraud Information Center (NFIC)
Fill out an online complaint form or call toll-free:
Ph: 800-876-7060
Web: www.fraud.org
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Be sure to have the address of the company about whom you are
filing the complaint.
Ph: 703-276-0100
Web: www.bbb.org
United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
Ph: 800-654-8896
Web: www.usps.gov/postalinspectors/fraud/welcome.htm
Additional Scam Awareness Resources
Fastweb: http://fastweb.monster.com/fastweb/content/focus/story/40.ptml
FinAid: http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml
FTC: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship/
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