SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS: HOW TO WATCH OUT
Just as there are scholarships out there, same is the case with innumerable scams in the name of scholarships. Hence, if you want to protect yourself from being scammed it is better to beware then regret later on. Actually, if you are not careful enough then you will end up losing your hard earned money rather than getting it as a scholarship.
There are some things that are common in all scholarship scams. Hence, let us look at these so that you can guard yourself against that.
The first thing that should get your danger flag up is if you are guaranteed a scholarship. Now, make sure that you know that there are no guarantees in scholarships until you actually get them. If anyone tells you that you will certainly get the scholarship then you can immediately blow a whistle on them.
Next, danger indicator is if you are asked to send them any money at the beginning either to get more information on the scholarship process or for the application. Remember that scholarships are for you to get money and not the other way round in any format.
Thirdly, if you are told that there are no parameters to evaluate who will get the scholarship and it is open to everyone then it is certainly a scam. Scholarships are awarded for specific criteria either academic, sports or subjects. You are just not entitled to a scholarship because you applied for one. Therefore, what you must keep in mind is that scholarships can’t be taken for granted and no sure shot assurances can be given about them.
Ensure that you are made to do all the filling up of the application forms. If you are told that all this will be done for you it is a sham as only you can complete and fill the application and send all the requisite paperwork across.
If you are asked to divulge any information about financial matters or any identification such as your social security number then obviously do not do so.
The application form must be complete in all respects and have the phone numbers and addresses where you can contact the representatives. Make certain that you log on to their website and check further and also that they are listed with the relevant authorities as that will make certain that they are genuine.
Also, beware of scholarships that sound too good to be true. If they have really high sounding and bombastic names such as fund or foundation then they might not be genuine.
Lastly, beware of any scholarship offer that you are informed of over the phone. All regular scholarships are informed by post and never over the phone.
Now, that you are aware of the loopholes that scholarship scams can take you can certainly guard yourself against that. With the information as your arsenal you will end up not only saving your money but your time and effort by not letting yourself get scammed.
