Continuing your education with financial issues is truly hard. Many students have to work long hours to keep up with their home and education expenses. And this approach badly impacts their mental and physical health. Here, at this point, scholarship comes into play. Scholarship offers awesome opportunities for students to continue their studies without facing financial issues.
However, plenty of people and organizations scam people in the name of scholarships. They ask for advance fees and seminars, resulting in taking money from students. So, if you’re searching for a scholarship, this article will guide you on how to protect yourself from scammers.
5 Signs of Scholarship Scams — Ensure Your Protection
Simply go through the following content to know the signs of scholarship scams so you can save your money and time.
- Advance Fees
Always remember that a legitimate scholarship doesn’t ask for fees. So, if a scholarship requires an advance fee, don’t avail of this scholarship since it is only a scam. A scammed scholarship might promise to return your money in case you are eligible for the scholarship.
Moreover, a scammed scholarship might ask for a reasonable fee in advance so a student can easily manage it. But it will just take your money and disappear from the scene. In a few words, never go for a scholarship if it asks for an advanced fee.
- Requesting for Credentials
Be alert immediately if a scholarship calls for your credentials, such as bank account numbers, social security numbers, and credit card numbers. The federal government of a country doesn’t allow the sharing of credentials with any organization, whether they are registered or not. So this is the biggest sign of a scammed scholarship that will debit your account immediately if you share your credentials with them.
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- Asking for Filling Applications for Fees
Sometimes, a scholarship shows a long process to fill out the application. And it might ask you, “We’ll complete all of your form-filling work perfectly with just a processing fee.” This type of scholarship is totally a scam. After taking money from you, they will provide you with plagiarized, low-quality, and Googled material. So, never avail such types of scholarships that offer form-filling or paperwork services.
- Fake Congratulations
Fake scholarships will use the following phrases to compel you so you will give money to them, for example:
- Congratulations, you’re a finalist.
- You’ve been selected. Let’s proceed with the next step!
- Congrats! Your application is accepted.
After congratulating you and convincing you, the fraudsters will ask for the scholarship fee. Sometimes, they send you a big check. And ask you that you can avail of it after paying the required price. Be Alert – it is only a scam. And you need to put such types of emails in the trash.
- Official Sounding Names
Pseudo-scholarships often name themselves with federal organizations, such as “Administration,” “National,” and “Federal.” Moreover, some scholarships mention fake addresses nearby to Washington. So, before proceeding with a scholarship, search it on the internet. Moreover, you can check the University’s faculty and students on LinkedIn and go with the scholarship afterward.
- Free Seminars
Many scholarships offer you free seminars. However, while attending these seminars, you find a salesperson who tries to convince you to pay them to format your resume, cover letter, and scholarship application. So, if you ever experience such type of situation, leave the seminar straight away.
- Swift Pressure Response
Some fake scholarships use the “quick pressure response” technique so a student can pay money to them without discussing it with his family and friends.
They often use such types of phrases: first come, first served, Submit Your Application Form Right Away to Avail Discounts”. So, whenever you find a scholarship that pressurizes you to quickly submit the application, make sure to leave it right away.
- Government Endorsement & Location
It is the rule of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Government, Better Bussiness Bureau, and the U.S. Department of Education not to endorse private businesses. So, if an organization is stating that U.S. official institutions endorse it, it is just making a false statement.
Moreover, once you receive a scholarship, make sure to check its location before proceeding with it. If it has an office in a reputable area, you can avail of this scholarship; otherwise, ignore it right away.
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Tips to Protect Yourself from Scholarship Scams
Now, you have sound information regarding signs of scholarship scams. It’s time to know how to save yourself from such scams.
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Never share your personal information, such as credit card, banking details, and other particulars, with a scholarship organization. No matter how reliable the company is, make it a rule not to share your personal information.
- Go for Written Communication: A scholarship scammer might try to proceed with you over a phone call so he can convince you. But never do so. Always ask to go with the written communication, including their terms and conditions, privacy policy, and refund policy.
- Ignore Urgency Request: If a scammer asks you to quickly fill out the form and submit the fee, you must ignore this scholarship. He is just trying to pressure you to get money from you quickly.
- Maintain All Communication Records: In case you have a phone call with the scholarship person, record the call. Moreover, keep a record of all written communication. In this way, you will have proof against the scholarship. It will also enable you to inform other students regarding the scholarship scam and protect their money from being wasted.
Bottom Line
Being aware of the signs that indicate a scholarship scam is crucial for safeguarding your educational pursuits. Whether it’s requests for upfront fees, promises of guaranteed awards, or suspiciously vague eligibility criteria, recognizing these signs can save you from falling victim to scams. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and always verify the legitimacy of scholarship opportunities to ensure a smooth and genuine path toward your academic goals.