As a child, my parents instilled in me the importance of education and the value of scholarships. They told me that securing good grades and attending college were essential, but also that I would have to rely on myself to find scholarships. My parents’ advice was clear: get good grades, go to college, and find scholarships. However, their words of wisdom also left me with a nagging question: how do I find legitimate scholarships when there are so many scams out there?
Identifying Real Scholarships
- Check for federal aid first. You know what this is, you’ve been told about it since pretty much Fifth Grade. FAFSA is a great place to start. Not everybody can get a Pell Grant, but at least you can ask.
- Ask trusted sources. And by trusted sources, we mean adults, sorry. You might not be aware of this, but a good portion of what your guidance counselor does is exactly this kind of stuff. They’re literally there to guide and help you. That doesn’t just mean in times of crisis. They might know of scholarships you can apply for, because little local scholarships get sent to their offices all the time.
- Do your research. Investigate any financial aid company you consider using. Don’t just Google it. Check the company’s BBB Business Profile at BBB.org to find consumer reviews, ratings and other information that can tell you how the company operates.
- Get references. If you plan to use a paid service, ask for the names of families in your community who have used the service in the last year so you can discuss their experience. If they can’t give you that, balk at the idea, or stall? Walk away.
How to Avoid Scholarship Scams
- Beware of unsolicited offers. If you get a random email or letter in the mail, look them up. Ask them how they got your information. If they got it legitimately, they won’t mind telling you. Don’t click any links.
- Take your time. If someone at an event is trying to get you to sign up for their service now, and can’t wait, walk. There are a LOT of scholarship opportunities you can find for free.
- Ask questions. It is very, very sus if a company won’t answer questions about what they do or how they do it. A reputable organization should be able and willing to answer questions.
- Get it in writing. Ask for information about fees and refund policies in writing. Keep in mind that dishonest companies may refuse to provide refunds despite their stated policies.
What to Do If You’ve Already Been Scammed
Don’t just ignore it and think it’ll go away. REPORT IT. In fact, you can easily report them here. And after, well, there are resources to help you recover. You can start here.
It’s hard to believe, but there are still many people out there who fall victim to scholarship scams. However, with the right knowledge and resources, you can protect yourself from these types of scams. One thing to remember is that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t give up on finding scholarships, and always be cautious when dealing with companies or individuals who promise financial aid for a fee.
I wish you good luck, but…you don’t need it. You’ll do well, no matter what you do.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Ask questions | A reputable organization should be able and willing to answer questions about what they do or how they do it. |
| Get it in writing | Ask for information about fees and refund policies in writing. Keep in mind that dishonest companies may refuse to provide refunds despite their stated policies. |
Additional Resources
There are many resources available to help you find legitimate scholarships and avoid scholarship scams. Some of these resources include:
- BBB.org
- FAFSA.gov
- College Board
Remember, finding scholarships and avoiding scams takes time and effort, but with the right knowledge and resources, you can succeed.
