College can get expensive. The Better Business Bureau advises students and their families to be on the lookout for scholarship scams.
Scammers may pose as a financial aid representative from either the government or a private organization, or use words like "federal," "national," or "money back guarantee" to sound more official.
Sydney Waters, regional director of the BBB, recommends checking for free or federal aid first. "Students can fill out the free application for free federal student aid, the FAFSA, and find other financial aid resources on https://studentaid.gov/. This no-cost application is a great starting point for your search."
Waters says that students should discuss their scholarship options with their school guidance counselor or financial aid office, as they may be aware of free resources for finding aid on the Federal Student Aid website.
Discuss experiences, gather references, and ask for the names of families in your community who have used a service.
As always, be aware of unsolicited offers through letters and emails from companies you never applied to. Do not rush with applications. Companies that pressure you to spend money immediately are a red flag.
Reputable organizations should be willing and able to answer any questions directly. Ask for written information about fees and policies.
Research any financial aid company that you plan on using. You can check their BBB Business Profile online for ratings, reviews, and other recommendations.
