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Article By: DanielZ.Kane
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Watch out for Scholarship Scammers
If you'd guess that such scammers bilk families out of $100 million a year or more, you would be correct.
They do it by playing on the fears of families who are scared by the cost of college and have not been well educated on all the legitimate help available to them.
First, families receive a letter from an organization with a name designed to sound like it was founded to help the families of college-bound students.
The letter doesn't look like typical junk mail. The logo often looks like that of an Ivy League college, and the letterhead and paper are generally on fairly high quality paper. Like the con men behind them, the promotional materials look credible.
The letters almost always begin by frightening families about the high cost of college.
But, the letter says, we can help. We can show you how to receive more financial aid. In some instances the letters will mention secrets colleges dont 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 and given to students who know the ropes.
The letters are not always the same, but one element is. They invite you to come to a hotel function room or other reasonably large venue to learn more about financial aid and scholarships, at no cost. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? If you think so, think again.
Ultimately, attendees are subject to a group sales pitch for the companys services. The pitches are not exactly the same, but all promise that their services will result in students receiving more money for college. And, none tell you that everything they offer is either unnecessary or can be gotten elsewhere, at no cost.
The initial presentation is followed by an individual meeting with a high pressure salesperson who uses a well-formulated approach...like those of the very worst car salespersons...developed to collect up to $2,000 and a signed contract from families before they have had too much time to think about it.
Don't be the victim of financial aid con men (and women). There are lots of good websites offering free scholarship searches and financial aid advice. And, high school counselors and college financial aid counselors will gladly give you advice and answer your questions. There is no need to turn elsewhere.
Most important of all, never pay anyone for financial aid advice or services. Never.
Article Source: ArticleZones.com
About the Author
Daniel Z. Kane is a university dean with websites offering information on scholarships, online schools, online degrees, and online colleges .
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