The Latest Scams Circulating the Consumer World. Be warned. Be informed.

MAY 2004

Scholarship Scams

Scholarship search services and financial aid websites are common. Many of theses for-profit companies charge high prices to provide you with information that can be found on other websites free. Companies can legally charge high prices for their services.
What makes a scholarship service a scam is when
  • The company collects money from you to find scholarships, but you never receive the information.
  • The company misrepresents itself as a government agency to attract legitimate customers.
  • The company "guarantees" you a full funding for college and does not deliver.
Play it Safe
You can get free advice from a variety of sources. The best places to start are with your high school counselor or a college financial aid administrator.
The Fraud of the Month is provided by the Washington Attorney General's Office,Consumer Protection Division.