Scholarships and scholarship scams

You'll need

• A list of your activities, jobs and interests
• Your counselor's or financial aid office's contact information

What to know

1. Start with free sources: the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, a high school or TRIO counselor, a public library, and groups that give scholarships, like employers, community and religious groups (Federal Student Aid).
2. Apply for big and small ones. A scholarship might cover all your tuition or be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, it lowers the cost (Federal Student Aid).
3. Never pay for a scholarship. If someone promises a scholarship in exchange for a "processing cost," "redemption fee" or other upfront payment, walk away (FTC).
4. Learn the scam lines: "guaranteed or your money back," "you can't get this anywhere else," "we just need your card number to hold it," and "you're a finalist" for something you never entered (FTC).
5. Don't pay any money at a scholarship seminar. Only scammers tell you to pay now or risk losing out (FTC).

If it doesn't work

• Already paid a scammer? Act fast. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general, and see the FTC's advice on getting your money back (FTC).
• Shared your FSA ID? Log in and change your password right away (Federal Student Aid).
• Not sure a company is real? Search its name with the words "complaint" and "scam," and ask your school counselor or financial aid advisor, who may help for free (FTC).

Good to know