When you’re applying for scholarships, the last thing you want is to fall into a trap that steals your time, money, or personal information. Unfortunately, scammers know students are eager for financial help and target them with fake opportunities that sound too good to be true — because they are.

Knowing how to spot a scam is key to protecting yourself while still hunting down legitimate funding. Here’s how to avoid the most common scholarship frauds and stay on track.

What Do Scholarship Scams Look Like?

Scam scholarships often mimic legitimate awards, but their real goal is to get your money or sensitive information. They might charge fees, ask for unnecessary personal details, or guarantee you’ll win — all major red flags.

Common Types of Scholarship Scams

  • “Guaranteed” Scholarships: Legit scholarships never promise success.

  • Application Fee Scams: You should never pay to apply.

  • Personal Info Traps: Asking for your Social Security number, bank info, or login credentials.

  • Fake Organizations: Websites or groups that sound official but don’t check out.

  • Award Notification Scams: You’re told you won a scholarship — but you never applied.

Red Flags to Watch For

1. Application Fees

Real scholarships don’t charge a fee. If they’re asking for money upfront — even $5 — that’s a strong sign it’s a scam.

Safe Rule: If you have to pay to win money, it’s probably a scam.

2. Too Good to Be True

“Congratulations! You’ve been selected for a $10,000 scholarship — no essay, no GPA required!” Sounds great, right? Sadly, this is a classic tactic to lure students into sharing personal details or paying a “processing fee.”

3. Vague Eligibility or No Application Process

If everyone qualifies, it’s not a real scholarship. Legitimate awards have specific criteria — like GPA, major, background, or career goals — and a real application process.

4. Requests for Sensitive Information

Never give out your:

  • Social Security number

  • Bank account details

  • Credit card info

  • Login credentials

Legitimate scholarships may ask for school transcripts or recommendation letters — not personal financial data.

5. Pressure to Act Fast

Scammers will try to rush you. Phrases like “limited time offer” or “apply immediately to secure your spot” are designed to get you to act before thinking.

How to Protect Yourself

Do Your Research

Always verify a scholarship by Googling its name + “scam” or checking it against reputable scholarship databases. If you can’t find any solid information or it’s not listed on trusted sites, proceed with caution.

Use Trusted Sources

Stick to well-known scholarship platforms like:

  • Fastweb

  • College Board BigFuture

  • Scholarships.com

  • Cappex

  • Your school’s financial aid website

Double Check Contact Info

Real scholarship providers should have a valid phone number, email address, and physical mailing address. Watch out for Gmail or Yahoo addresses claiming to be “official.”

Read the Fine Print

Scammers often hide the details. Review the terms, privacy policies, and who’s funding the award. If anything feels off, walk away.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

If you suspect a scam, take these steps immediately:

  • Stop all communication with the scammer

  • Don’t send any money or personal info

  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

  • Tell your school’s financial aid office so they can alert other students

  • Monitor your credit if you shared sensitive data — consider a credit freeze or fraud alert

Real vs. Scam Scholarships: Quick Comparison

Feature Legit Scholarship Scam Scholarship
Application Fee
Guaranteed Award
Asks for SSN or Bank Info
Found on Trusted Websites ❌ or sketchy platforms
Has Clear Eligibility Rules ❌ (“open to everyone”)
Professional Contact Details ❌ (generic or personal email)

Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Safe

There are thousands of real scholarships out there — and not one of them should cost you money to apply. By learning the red flags and sticking to trustworthy resources, you can protect yourself and focus on winning the funding you actually deserve.

Always trust your gut: if something feels off, it probably is.

Sources:

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

  • National Scholarship Providers Association

  • College Board BigFuture

  • U.S. Department of Education

  • Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Related Content

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

A strong scholarship essay can be the key to securing free money for college, but with so many applicants, standing out is essential. A well-crafted essay showcases your personality, achievements, and future goals in a way that grabs the reader’s attention. Learn...

Leveraging Your College Education for Career Growth

Your college education is more than just a degree—it’s a launchpad for career success. By taking advantage of networking opportunities, internships, and campus resources, you can build a strong foundation for your future. Discover practical tips to help you make the...

Essential Tips for Acing College Interviews

College interviews are your chance to make a lasting impression beyond your application. Master the art of showcasing your personality, goals, and enthusiasm with these essential tips for acing admissions and scholarship interviews. Understand the Purpose of the...

Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for scholarships is one of the best ways to reduce college costs, but even the most qualified students can lose out on funding due to simple mistakes. A strong application can mean the difference between winning free money for school or missing out on...

How to Build a Strong Resume in High School

Your high school resume is your ticket to showcasing your unique skills and achievements to colleges, scholarships, and potential employers. Set yourself apart by learning how to craft a standout resume that reflects your strengths and potential. Why a Resume Matters...

Scholarships for Career Changers: Financial Aid for a Fresh Start

Switching careers is a bold and exciting step, but going back to school for a new degree or certification can be expensive. Fortunately, many scholarships are designed specifically for adults who are making a career transition. Whether you're moving from one industry...

Scholarship Application 101: Your Guide to Success

Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re heading to college, trade school, or looking for financial help with continuing education, scholarships can make a big difference. Dive into this guide to uncover the basics and...

Fast-Track Degree Options for Adults: Are They Worth It?

Going back to school as an adult can feel like juggling flaming swords—between work, family, and life, who has time for a traditional four-year degree? That’s where fast-track degree programs come in. Designed with adult learners in mind, these options promise to...

10 Study Hacks for College Success

College classes can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can stay on top of your coursework and excel academically. Uncover these simple yet effective study techniques to boost your skills and ace your classes. Create a Study Schedule Time management is...

Balancing Family, Work, and Education: Time Management Tips for Adult Learners

Going back to school as an adult can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges—especially if you’re juggling family, a full-time job, and coursework. Finding time for everything without feeling overwhelmed is possible with the right strategies. Learn how to...

Check out these scholarships:

Col. Loren J. And Mrs. Lawona R. Spencer Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible through a generous endowment from the Spencer estate. It provides funds to United States Air Force Personnel (officer or enlisted, Air Force civilian, full time National Guard and full time Reserve) to pursue graduate level education...

The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation: Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship

The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation Scholarship for the Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment is intended for eligible college and graduate school women who desire to work and contribute their efforts within the field of one of the following majors in order...

SILA Graduate Student Fellowship Award

This will be awarded to a woman in graduate study during the next academic year. The scholarship is open to women who are citizens of the United States and residents of the State of California. All areas of study are accepted, but consideration will be given to the...

Mike & Gail Donley Spouse Scholarships

The Air Force Spouse Scholarship program is designed to encourage Air Force spouses worldwide to pursue associate, bachelor or graduate/postgraduate degrees.Scholarship Sponsor Air Force AssociationAward Type $2500 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

Actuarial Diversity Scholarship

The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship program for Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American and Pacific Islander students.Scholarship Sponsor The Actuarial FoundationAward Type $4,000...

NCFRW Caring for America Scholarship

The NCFRW Caring for America Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship intended to assist eligible children of North Carolina service members desiring to pursue a degree (or vocational certification) from an accredited North Carolina college, vocational or technical...

The ASUS, Inc. Scholarship Program

American States Utility Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries (ASUS, Inc.) has established a scholarship program to assist dependent children of active, full-time U.S. military members and dependent children of honorably discharged veterans Scholarship...

Albanian Community Scholarship

The goal of this award to reward students who display the highest moral standards by being an active contributor to their community. The Albanian Community Scholarship will award three (3) high school seniors the amount of $500 (each).Scholarship Sponsor AAMCAward...

Creative Biolabs Scholarship Program

As a leading custom service provider specialized in the field of antibody production and engineering, Creative Biolabs is always happy to support young and ambitious talents in our field. Scholarship Sponsor Creative Biolabs Award Type $1,000 Cash Gender Eligibility...

Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship Program

To assist worthy students in Georgia (and who plan on attending a Georgia college/university) with college tuitionScholarship Sponsor The Georgia Mining AssociationAward Type $1,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: Georgia...

Taylor University President’s Scholarship

Students must have the required ACT or SAT score and GPA to receive the President's Award. SAT score is calculated by combining the Math and Reading portions of the test. The scholarship received is determined by adding GPA points and ACT/SAT points to find your total...

EMU Presidential Scholarship

The EMU Presidential Scholarship is only available to incoming freshmen who have competed in the Presidential Scholarship Competition. Students must complete an EMU Admission Application as well as a separate application for the Competition. These applications are...

Dr. Sydell Perlmutter Gold Memorial Scholarship

To honor her tremendous legacy and help other women follow in her footsteps, AFA's Dr. Sydell Perlmutter Gold Scholarship will be awarded to daughters of Air Force members pursuing a bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Education, or Mathematics (STEM) field....

Marocchi Memorial Scholarship

The Marocchi Memorial Scholarship awards two Virginia high school seniors who plan to enroll in a ROTC program at a Virginia college or university with $2,500 towards tuition. This scholarship is for individuals who plan to pursue a career in military service...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look

Going back to school as a non-traditional student can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to paying for tuition. Many scholarships are designed for recent high school graduates, but plenty of funding opportunities exist for adults returning to...
Skip to content