Scholarship Scam Warning

Don't be fooled!

You can't believe everything you read or hear!

Many legitimate companies offer lists of scholarships for a fee ranging from $10 to $400 or charge an advance fee to compare a student's profile with a database of scholarship opportunities and provide a list of awards for which the student may qualify. They don't guarantee or promise scholarships or grants.

Of course, there are also those who would prey upon the unsuspecting. These are some tactics of which to be wary:

• guarantees of scholarship awards for an advance fee payment;
• 'money back guarantee' requiring students to apply for each scholarship or grant they have listed and then offer proof they've been denied by each;
• notice of selection as a 'finalist' for an award requiring an advance fee payment; and
• request for the student's checking account information to 'confirm eligibility for an award'.

Protect yourself by staying informed. These Web sites present current, accurate information about scholarship scams:

• Federal Trade Commission
• Sallie Mae