What are Scholarship Scams? It simply deceiving you to pay money upfront to get free school funding. Most legitimate scholarship programs charge a fee to apply. True or False? This is one question people usually ask in the comments section. We know that fraudsters are always trying to scam you online through scholarship scams. But this should not make you shy away from applying for legitimate scholarships. It true that you’re worried about being scammed of your money. Stop being scared.
Simply go through these fraud prevention tips below for how to spot a scholarship scam fast. In this post, we wrote out some common Scholarship Scams and How to Avoid Fake Scholarships. These are Scholarships that never materialize after application. Over the years, a lot of online scams encourage you to send money to them up front but on the long run, they provide little or nothing for you.
How To Avoid Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
Now, let’s all face reality: we know that the cost of living is on the rise. Furthermore, every family is paying more money these days for just about everything we use use or eat. these ranges from food to utilities to clothing as well as education. Globally, we all can agree on the importance of a college/university education, but funding it can often be expensive & tricky. This has made even the most level-headed student to become desperate for free funding. However, we advise you not to let desperation get the best of you under any circumstances. The truth is that there are still several legitimate ways for you to fund your education through grants as well as scholarships. All you have to do is to search thousands of scholarships on sites like ScholarshipsTravel.com and other trusted websites seen online.
Bear in mind that this site is not the only place to find legitimate scholarships. There are also trustworthy website online. All you have to do is to try and verify the information you see there. However, don’t be afraid to do all the research you can. All you have to do is to brush up on your awareness of scholarship scams plus trick scammers use to take your money. Lets dive in. The following are some important signs a prospective scholarship is less than reputable. But first, one of the first steps to take if you’re worried about delinquency or default is to study know the warning signs.
Scholarship scams warning signs
1. The scholarship requires money to Apply – Scholarship application fee
First of all, money is not required to apply for any scholarship. Therefore, no matter how upstanding the organisation awarding the scholarship looks, if they’re asking for any money up front with your application, just ignore it. Note that no trustworthy organisation will ask you for money to apply for scholarship. That is to say, you should never have to give money to anyone get scholarships or grant.
2. The scholarship is “guaranteed” for funding
One thing you should know is that there are no guarantees in life. Educational scholarships is no exception to this rule. So, you have to be instantly suspicious if anyone tries to tell you that you’re 100% guaranteed financial assistance.
3. The “Free Seminar” Online scam
Personally, I have gotten hundreds of mail about free seminar that requires me to pay to get a certification. I usually laugh it off. Therefore, you may also come across several opportunities for “free” seminars providing scholarship information & guide. As a matter of fact, they will proclaim that “you can’t get this information anywhere else”. They will tell you that their organisation will only provide scholarship links to you after you’ve paid a fee.
Be aware that there are two big problems with this kind of situation at hand. First and foremost, you can always get the information somewhere else because nobody knows it all. You will agree that the internet is a great resource for finding information about scholarships. Also, it can always connect you with direct/specific people who can answer your many questions. Additionally, don’t underestimate the knowledge of your private or public school counselor. You should know that they are there to help you and may have scholarship information you will find useful to get a scholarship.
Next, the second problem with this situation goes back to the first point as can be seen above: you should never have to pay money to get the scholar information, when there are plenty of free resources & opportunities out there.
4. The slogan: “We’ll do the work for you”
A lot of lazy students like other people filling out scholarship applications and writing essays for them, but it’s not good at all. It is always great to do these stuff yourself so that you can defend it. Notwithstanding, if anyone or an organisation, travel consultant, individual, or other—offers to do the work for you, just run away. Why? Its simply because, nothing good comes easy. You have to do do little elbow grease on your own part to win.
5. You’ve been chosen as a finalist for a contest you never applied for
Over the years, this style of scam has been used on unsuspecting and greedy people. I’m sure you must have received either a text message or email on this regards. So, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is; thats the truth. You really have to ignore any messages such as this. The solution here is to always do your own scholarship search and complete your own applications by yourself.
Related: Fedex Fake Delivery Notice Text Message & Email – Unexpected Package
What you have to do if you suspect scholarship fraud?
Everyone is prone to scam. All you have to do is to be vigilant and smart. If in any case you come across a scholarship you believe to be a scam, go to Fraud.org. In addition, if you’re a victim of scholarship fraud, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FDC).
Want more content on the scholarship search? Find it in our Scholarships, Grants, and Loans section!
Recap: These are the Common Scholarship Scams and How to Avoid Them. They are Scholarships that never materialise to funding. A lot of scams encourage you to send them money up front but provide little or nothing in exchange for scholarship advise. Every year, several hundred as well as thousand students and parents are defrauded by scholarship scams. The victims of these scams lose thousands, if not millions, of money in their local currency. That is why people always search for the following words;
- fake scholarship generator
- collegeboard scholarships
- is cirkled in scholarship legit
- fastweb scholarships email
- is juno scholarship legit
Beware of Scholarship Scams: you may not be required to repay your student loans if you choose the right scholarship. Read from top to bottom to see How To Avoid Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams.