The Federal Trade and Commission published this document on avoiding financial aid scams.
Don't Fall for These 5 College Scholarship Scams
Popular SCAMS:
1. Cash up front (require an application or processing fee)
2. Free seminar (sales pitch for overpriced loans, products, etc.)
3. Rewards without entries (no application, no work involved)
4. Time-sensitive scholarships (first-come,first-served basis, not to be confused with deadlines)
5. Sweeping claims (guaranteed or money back) - note: scholarships should be free.
Remember: Legitimate scholarships do not charge a fee to apply. They do not call on the phone, or send “award letters” in the mail, and they never ask for your credit card information.
This information was provided by Hoffman Family Library at Goodwin University