The world’s #1 Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid

6.6. Best Practices to Protect Yourself

Avoiding scams isn’t just about spotting red flags—it’s about building smart habits. Here’s how to stay secure:

1. Research the Sponsor Thoroughly 

   • Check the organization’s website for a physical address, contact info, and history of awarding scholarships.

   • Look for reviews or mentions on trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) or student forums.

   • Search the scholarship name plus “scam” or “review” online to see if others have flagged it.

   • Pro Tip: If there’s no track record or the group just popped up, steer clear.

2. Stick to Reputable Databases 

   • Use verified scholarship search tools like: 

     • Fastweb (fastweb.com)

     • Scholarships.com

     • College Board’s Scholarship Search (bigfuture.collegeboard.org)

     • Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov)

   • Avoid random Google searches, which can lead to scam sites optimized to rank high in results.

3. Verify Before You Apply 

   • Cross-check the scholarship with your school’s financial aid office—they often know what’s legit.

   • Contact the sponsor directly using official contact details (not those in unsolicited messages).

4. Protect Your Personal Information 

   • Never share sensitive data unless you’ve confirmed the scholarship’s legitimacy.

   • Use secure websites (look for “https://” and a padlock icon) when applying online.

   • Be cautious of forms asking for unnecessary details like your driver’s license number.

5. Report Suspicious Offers 

   • If you spot a scam, report it to: 

     • The Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov/complaint)

     • Your school’s financial aid or counseling office

     • The platform where you found it (e.g., email provider, social media site)

   • Reporting helps protect others and may lead to investigations.

    

Finding scholarships is like a treasure hunt—start broad, then narrow down. Here’s a quick plan:

1. Create profiles on two or three online databases.

2. Visit your school’s financial aid office or counselor.

3. Ask family, employers, and community groups about local options.

4. Check government websites for grants or state-specific awards.

5. Set a weekly goal—say, applying to five scholarships—to stay on track.

The key is persistence. Scholarships are out there, but they won’t find you—you have to seek them out. In the next chapter, we’ll cover how to turn those finds into wins with a standout application.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scholarships require effort—whether it’s an essay, grades, or specific eligibility—not cash upfront or blind trust. Stick to verified sources, trust your instincts, and double-check everything. By staying vigilant, you can focus on finding the real opportunities that will support your education without falling into a scammer’s trap.

Key Takeaways

• Use online databases, school resources, community organizations, and professional associations to find scholarships.

• Be cautious of scholarship scams and verify the legitimacy of opportunities.

• Develop a search strategy that includes starting early, staying organized, and applying widely.

• Tailor your applications to each scholarship to increase your chances of success.

By knowing where to look and how to approach the search process, you can uncover a wealth of opportunities to fund your education and achieve your academic goals.