Scholarship Search Databases 

Scholarship Scams

🟠 Scam Warning Signs:

         -You have to pay a fee         -Money-back offers or guarantees         -Credit card or bank account information required         -Provides "exclusive" information

🟠 Scams "Phishing":

         -Unsolicited emails that bear the logo of your bank or credit card         -Appear legitimate but are traps to lure you into giving out your personal or account information           ➡NEVER give out Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers to unsolicited emails or calls

🟠 Scams "Pharming":

         -Unsolicited emails that encourage you to visit a website or click on suspicious links         -Make sure your inbox spam filters are up to date          ➡BE CAREFUL about giving out your contact information or email address

🟠 Reporting Scams:

         -National Fraud Information Center (NFIC):  File a complaint at www.fraud.org
         -Federal Trade Commission (FTC):  File an online complaint at www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams, call 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357, or write to:           Federal Trade Commission           Consumer Response Center           600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW           Washington, DC  20580
         -State Attorney General' Office:  File your complaint with the Consumer Protection Division in your state.  Visit www.naag.org to find your state Attorney           General's Office
         -US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS):  File an online complaint involving mail fraud at www.postalinspectors.uspis.gov, call the Crime Hotline at 877-876-2455 or write to:           Inspection Service Support Group           222 S. Riverside Plaza, Ste, 1250          Chicago, IL  60606-6100
        -Better Business Bureau (BBB):  File an online complaint about a business at www.bbb.org or call 703-276-0100