Fraudsters know that students comb the internet for scholarships and loans, so they set up fake financial aid opportunities to pull in unsuspecting students. If you’re searching for financial aid, stay safe with these tips:
- Remember the FAFSA is free! It’s even in the title—Free Application for Federal Student Aid, so don’t believe a website that requests payment. This is the correct link for the FAFSA.
- Scholarships are no guarantee, but applications are free. Legitimate scholarships shouldn’t ask for application fees or guarantee that you will win. Scholarship providers don’t want your money—they want to give money. And they usually award that money to someone who puts forth effort (not someone who is randomly selected).
- Ask questions. If a scholarship site/offer is legitimate, it will provide contact information for you to get details.
- Think twice before giving out information. Legitimate organizations, including the government, will not use the internet to ask for personal information like your social security number or bank accounts.
- See the place before you pay the deposit. Beware of apartment or residence offers where you pay without seeing the place. You don’t want to show up and find it doesn’t exist! If you can’t see the place in person, have someone you know and trust check it out for you.
For more ideas, talk to a Money Coach about college planning. Your Money Coach can walk you through different options for financing your education. If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, talk to a Fraud Resolution SpecialistTM. They can give you next steps for resolving the issue and provide more tips on how to protect yourself in the future. Plan for college with confidence by calling 888-724-2326 to speak with your Money Coach and Fraud Resolution SpecialistTM.