How to Avoid the Scholarship Con Artists
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by: JanetSherman
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Word Count: 498
One financial aid organization believes these scammers defraud families out of more than $150 million dollars each and every year. Others think that figure may be far too low.
They do it by preying on families worried about the cost of college, families who know little or nothing about scholarships and financial aid; families who are often easy targets.
It all starts with a letter from a company with a name that makes it sound like a benign organization whose mission is to assist students and their families.
The letter often looks like it comes from a top college or university. That is not an accident. The font, the grade of paper, and the logo are chosen by the scammers to give the letter an "academic" look. It's junk mail alright, and its far more malicious than most, but that's not what it looks like. As a result, instead of throwing the letter away, many families open it. That's mistake number one.
The letters generally start by appealing to a family's fear by talking about the high cost of college. Often the letters exaggerate the cost.
But, the letter says, we can help you get the financial aid you will need. We can teach you how to receive more financial aid than you would ever get on your own. In some instances, the letters will mention "secrets" colleges don't want you to know. Sometimes the letters will talk about millions of dollars in unused scholarships and financial aid; money just waiting to be found by students who know the ropes.
What all the letters have in common is that they invite families to a free "seminar", often at a local hotel. Because the letter offers the hope of extra financial aid, and because the evening is free, many families accept the invitation. That's mistake number two.
Ultimately, attendees are subject to a very aggressive group sales pitch for the company's services. Every company's pitch is different, but all guarantee that their services will result in students receiving far more money for college than they otherwise would. And, none tell the truth...that everything they offer is either unnecessary or can be gotten elsewhere, for free.
The group pitch is followed by individual meetings during which families are pressured to immediately pay for the services offered. Many yield to the pressure, writing checks in excess of $1,000 for a worthless set of services.
It's sad. And, it happens every year. Don't let it happen to you. Get all of your financial aid advice from your school counselor, college financial aid office, and reputable publications and websites.
Avoid being scammed. Do not ever, under any circumstances, pay for financial aid or scholarship advice or assistance.
About the Author
The author is a school social worker and independent college counselor in Wisconsin. In her spare time, she contributes articles to educationally themed websites on topics such as the advantage of attending an online college and how to get a career boost by earning an online degree.
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