NEVER PAY for information about college financial aid!
NEVER PAY to apply for federal financial aid!

How Do You Know Which Offers Are “Scams” That Should Be Avoided?

• Organizations that say they can help you locate more aid and then charge you a fee
• Anyone who charges you a fee for information about financial aid
• If they charge you a fee to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• If they charge a fee to receive financial aid

Watch Out for “Scams” Like These

THE SCAM: “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
THE TRUTH: No one can guarantee your scholarship before it is awarded.

THE SCAM: “You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
THE TRUTH: Everyone has access to the same information.

THE SCAM: “We need your credit card information to hold your scholarship.”
THE TRUTH: You should never have to give this information to legitimate providers.

THE SCAM: “The scholarship requires a small fee.”
THE TRUTH: Never pay a fee to get a scholarship.

THE SCAM: “You are a finalist” for an award you never applied for.
THE TRUTH: If you did not apply, it is not a legitimate offer.

THE SCAM: “Come to our seminar and we’ll show you how to get more financial aid. You only have to pay a small fee.”
THE TRUTH: This is a sales pitch. Don’t pay for information that you can get elsewhere for free.

Where Can You Find Free Information About Financial Aid?

• Talk to the financial aid administrator at the college of choice
• Ask your high school counselor

Apply for federal financial aid at FAFSA.ed.gov