Scholarship Search Services 

There is NEVER a reason to pay for a scholarship search. All the information you need or want is available free. Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay the bills, many students and their families are falling prey to scholarship scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions students to look for telltale lines:

"This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."

No one can guarantee that they'll get you a grant or scholarship. Refund Guarantees often have conditions or strings attached. Get refund policies in writing - before you pay - and be sure you understand all the conditions.

"You can't get this information anywhere else."

There are many free lists of scholarships available. Check with your school or library before you decide to pay someone to do the work for you.

"May I have your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship?"

Don't give out your credit card or bank account number on the phone or on the internet without getting information in writing first.  It may be a set-up for an unauthorized withdrawal from your account.

"We'll do all the work."

Don't be fooled. There's no way around it. You must apply for scholarships or grants yourself.

"The scholarship will cost some money."

Don't pay anyone who claims to be "holding" a scholarship or grant for you.   Free money shouldn't cost a thing.

"You've been selected" by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship, or 'You're a finalist' in a contest that you never entered."

Before you send money to apply for a scholarship, check it out. Make sure the foundation or program is legitimate.

If you feel you have been taken advantage of in a scholarship search scheme, you can file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the Consumer Response Center by phone: toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); TDD: 202-326-2502; by mail: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580; or through the Internet, using the online complaint form. Although the Commission cannot resolve individual problems for consumers, it can act against a company if it sees a pattern of possible law violations.