ABOUT SCAMS
SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS TIP SHEET
How do i recognize a scholarship scammer:
* States you've won an award for which you didn't
*Does not suppliy valid contact information.
*Guarantees you will win an award
*Requires personal financial information(such as credit card numbers or checking
account numbers to verify or hold a scholarship).
How do i recognize a legitimate scholarship service?:
*Sends information about awards when you request it
*makes contact information available upon request
*Does not guarantee you will win an award
*Should not direct you to a fee-based porvider because they
know that financial aid information is readily available for free
What if you suspect a scam?:
*Save all of the forms you receive from the company.
*Keep copies of written details about the offer and any correspondence, emails or other paperwork
*Make sure all materials are dated
*Take notes during any seminars or phone conversations. Record the date,
time,phone number and the person's name with whom you spoke.
*Include a detailed account of your conversation
*Take a copy of all literature and correspondence concerning
the scholarship to your guidance counselor's office. They can verify that
the foundation is legitimate.
Report the suspected scammer to any of the following organizations:
National Fraud Information Center (NFIC)
Ph: 800-876-7060: www.fraud.org
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Ph: 877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Web:www.ftc.gov
State Attorney General's Office
Visit your state's Web site to obtain state attorney general's
contact information. Ask them about filing a complaint
with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in your state.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Ph: 703-276-0100 Web: www.bbb.org
United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
Ph: 800-654-8896