Attention Students and Families: Join us on December 5th or 12th, 2024 at 6:00 pm to learn about the 2025-26 FAFSA, financial aid process, and available aid, from financial aid professionals representing local colleges. Register now at bit.ly/finaid512.
Financing your education after high school can be complicated and expensive and, unfortunately, scammers take advantage of that. They may offer scholarships or offer to help you apply for financial aid in exchange for fees and sensitive information. Remember, legitimate financial aid is always free and accessible.
Spotting Scams:
Fees: Beware of anyone offering scholarships or financial aid services for a price. Legitimate resources are always free, like the FAFSA and VASA Application.
Personal Information: Scammers often request sensitive personal or financial information. Never share this information with anyone claiming to offer financial aid.
Suspicious Tactics: Scammers may use personal details or pressure tactics to make offers seem legitimate.
Protecting Yourself:
Trusted Sources: Always apply for financial aid through trusted sources like your school’s financial aid office or government sites like the FAFSA and VASA Application. You and your family are the only ones who should complete financial aid applications, and you should keep all the information used for those applications private.
Verify Scholarships: Use reputable databases, like those listed below, to check the legitimacy of scholarships before applying.
If a company attempts to offer a scholarship, grant or financial aid in exchange for a fee or sensitive information, walk away. If you suspect something is a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission and check out their article “How to Avoid Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams” for more information.