 A few words of advice. When seeking financial aid, families
should avoid private companies who charge a fee and make claims
about guaranteeing you scholarships.
Unfortunately, there are companies and organizations taking
advantage of families’ economic hardships whenever it
comes to financing their children’s education. The information
and services these companies provide can be found free of
charge in resources like this web site, other financial aid
related web sites, bookstore, public libraries, counselors'
offices, or in any college’s financial aid office.
Keep in mind:
• No one can promise that you
will receive financial aid.
• No one knows you better than
you.
• Why pay someone to do the work
for you when, it's your education and career - take control.
If you completed the Scholarship
Workbook, you should have created a powerful
tool to assist you with all phases of your scholarship search
without paying anyone.
| The Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) launched Project $cholar$cam
to alert families and consumers about potential scholarship
scams and how to recognize them. Here are the FTC's
six basic warning signs and advice: |
| 1. |
"The scholarship
is guaranteed or your money back."
No one can guarantee that they will get you a grant
or a scholarship. Refund policies often have conditions
or strings attached. Get refund policies in writing
before you pay. |
| 2. |
"You can't get this information
anywhere else."
Check with your school or library before you decide
to pay someone to do the work for you. If you decide
to use one of these services, you should check their
reputation by contacting the Better
Business Bureau or your State Attorney General’s
Office. |
| 3. |
"May I have your credit
card or bank account number to hold this scholarship?"
Don't give out your credit card or bank account number
over the phone without getting information in writing
first. It may be a set-up for an unauthorized charge
or withdrawal from your account. |
| 4. |
"We'll do all the work
for you."
Do not be fooled. They will ask you numerous questions,
and then search their scholarship database or another
company’s database. So they need your help. There's
no way around it. You must apply for each scholarship
or grant, yourself. |
| 5. |
The scholarship will cost some
money.
Do not pay anyone who claims to be "holding"
a scholarship or grant for you. Free money should not
cost a thing. |
| 6. |
"You've been selected
by a national foundation to receive a scholarship"
or "You're a finalist" in
a contest you never entered.
Before you send money to apply for a scholarship; check
it out. Make sure the foundation or program is legitimate. |
Fighting Fraudulent Activities
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC ) works for the consumer
to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices
in the marketplace. The FTC also provides information to help
consumers spot, stop and avoid fraud. To file a complaint
or to get free information on consumer issues, visit the FTC
web site or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
|
