It’s just a matter of time before you run into some type of scholarship scams on the internet. There are people and organizations out there that will try and charge you for scholarship information, but will never return to you with anything of value. A scammer will undoubtedly try to appear as a legit organization or in some cases a government agency. Scholarship information sites that ask you for personal things such as social security and credit card numbers to help you find funding should cause concern.
Also, if you are contacted “out of the blue” and are asked to partake in a seminar or interview you may want to continue on with your search. If someone who tells you that the information they provide can’t be found somewhere else be suspect of them. Free advice is abundant on the internet from an array of resources. A high school guidance counselor or the college financial aid administrator is another great place to start.
Beware Of The Common Signs Of A Scholarship Scams
Application Fees- Scholarships should not cost you a thing. They are “free”Unsolicited Scholarship Awards- If you win a scholarship that you did not apply for, it may be a scam.
Formatting, Spelling and Grammar mistakes – A sign this someone from another country is playing.
Unrelated Email Address & Contact Info – Someone using a “throw away” email account may not be legit.
High Pressure Sales Pitch – Scholarships sell themselves. People “pushing” you into something is a sign.
Lack Of Details And Information – Legit scholarship offers are loaded with tons of information.
Requiring Personal Information – Scammer are “phishing” for your SSN, credit card and anything they find.
Sweepstakes Or Lottery Style Scholarship – You win a scholarship based on requirements, not good luck.
Guaranteed Win Of A Scholarship – Again, you have to earn a scholarship based on certain criteria.
Provide Previous Scholarship Winners – Providers are more than happy to show previous recipients.
Paperwork Fees - Or any other administrative fees. This should be a major warning sign.
Influence With Sponsors – Steer clear of this scenario. Could be a scam within a scam.
A Few Weird And Whacky Scholarships
- Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Scholarship
- Tall Clubs International Student Scholarship
- Left Handed Students of Juniata College
- The Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship
- Carnegie Mellon University Bagpipe Scholarship
- The Klingon Language Institute Kor Memorial Scholarship
- Michigan Llama Association Scholarship
- Duct Tape “Stuck at Prom” Scholarship Contest
- Society of Vacuum Coaters Foundation Scholarship
- Excellence in Predicting the Future Award
- Starfleet Academy Scholarships
Did You Know That
As you will find out the internet is one of the best ways to get things moving. Start by searching individual college sites, and scholarship resources. Steer clear of sites that charge you for scholarship searches or things similar in nature. Sometimes help can be in the town where you live. Local sources of scholarships are abundant and greatly overlooked. Being that they are usually overlooked, your chances of winning one will of course increase.