2022 college scholarship scams. These scholarship cons hook victims with the promise of money, but upfront “fees” never actually materialize into those needed funds. For students who are struggling to pay tuition and other college expenses, an unexpected offer of a scholarship can seem like a wish come true. However, the majority of the time, it is bait for a scam.
I have always preached to students and their families over the years that they should be wary of websites, seminars, or other schemes that promise to find scholarships for a fee.
Scammers typically claim to represent the government, a university, or a nonprofit organization. The details vary, but the con is the same. The scammer will pose as a financial aid representative using words like “National” and “Federal” to sound more official. In a more recent twist, the representative claims to help with student loan forgiveness. They also may claim you have won a scholarship or a grant (without ever applying) and ask for payment of a one-time “processing fee.”
In another version, the scammer pressures you into applying for a “guaranteed” scholarship or grant. However, there is a fee to apply. Once the fee is paid, time goes by, and the money is never sent. When attempting to contact a representative, it is quickly discovered that the company has set so many conditions that it is almost impossible to receive a refund. For example, when a family does not secure a scholarship(s) from a list that they paid for, they are informed that unless they apply to all of the scholarships listed (which could be hundreds), they do not qualify for a refund.
In summary, beware of unsolicited offers and never, never pay a fee for an outside scholarship service.
College Aid Consulting Services has been helping students get more financial aid since 1990. We are the top-rated independent full-service college financial aid consultants on the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and other financial required forms. No other financial aid consulting services has the experience we do in assisting families in obtaining more money. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about our services.
