How to Identify Scam Scholarships

There are a lot of scholarships out there that one may be confused on identifying which one is valid and legit. Reported scam cases of people who applied for scholarships but got duped by impostors are high.

It takes few minutes to apply for some scholarships that has little requirements, just some clicks and you are done. Cool right? We understand that as a student or parent finding the right scholarship might be challenging but while you are applying for some, you are ignorantly selling your information out to scammers.

Not all scholarships you see online are valid, some may be from impostors who are disguising to be the legitimate sponsor of the scholarships. You are free to apply for scholarships and grants opportunity you see online but while doing that, you should be sure they are from a trusted and verified sponsor.

Scholarship Application Forms

There are two major forms of scholarships application which are the ‘physical and online application’. It is easier to know a physical scholarship validity because there is the open access to scrutinize the background and sponsor’s credibility. The online scholarships are the most dubious in ascertaining their credibility.

It is always tasking to identify these scholarships because of the vast distance barrier between the awarder and the awardee. In most cases, scammers and fraudsters do create a deceptive scholarship in the guise of grants, many students would apply and end up paying application fee. It is highly possible to get scammed of money and vital personal information at the same time. It is a norm and requirements of almost every scholarship sponsors to demand some documents and information from you but how credible, trusted and legitimate is the sponsor.

Out of ignorance, you may give out your personal information through phishing and that is a step closer of you being scammed or manipulated for a crime.

Have you been applying for scholarships without feedback? Are you skeptical if a scholarship is not a scam? We will give you some hints to identify a scam scholarship if you see one.
Please, take note that these are just hints although they are proven to be helpful, you should endeavor to make necessary researches about the scholarship you are applying for.

How to Know a Scam Scholarship

These are some certain things to consider when identifying a fake or scam scholarship;

1. Requesting for Application Fee
   Scholarships are meant to give grants and opportunity, you don’t have to pay for it. Some posing sponsors may ask you to pay a particular fee for a form purchase, any page you see this, you are advise to steer clear off the page. Scholarships are not lottery schemes where you have to pay for a lucky pick which you might not be eventually favored.
   In case you have to pay a particular amount, it is best advised that was required from a physical sponsor you can meet in case of altercation.
2. Untraceable Address
   A legitimate scholarship details must include the sponsor’s information, not just that alone but the address inclusive. Scammers will never give out their real address to avoid apprehension. They rarely provide that information but if they do, make further research to find out about the address and its validity.
   You should look out for some address information such as P.O Box, street name, residential number, province and state.
3. Fake Phone Number
   Have you tried that number provided on that scholarship page you are applying for? You can verify by calling the phone number. It you can not reach through, you might be applying for a fake scholarship.
4. Unprofessional Criteria
   Take note of the eligibilities, documents required and demands of the sponsors. Some impractical demands and information may be required from you, a real awarder will never ask for your private information such as debit card, social security number and so on.
5. No Testimonial from Previous Beneficiary
   A great way to stamp a scholarship’s credibility is the testimonials from previous awardees of the offer. All sponsors love to promote themselves by documenting previous winners of the program and sharing testimonials. You didn’t see any one who has benefitted from a scholarship, sorry for the heartbreak but you can not be the first winner of a fake offer.
6. No Deadline
   Most scholarships sponsors do have stipulated period of application and date of winners announcement. Although some may decide to conceal the information because of unknown application turn up, they do give out updates about the offer at intervals to carry applicants along. You might just end up waiting for an offer without receiving any response.
7. Spam Mail Alert
   In case you get an unrequested scholarship information via your mail, it is of high chance that you are a step closer to phishing. Although sponsors may decide to publicize their offers, they will prefer doing that to the general audience, not constraining to a limited audience like you.
8. Ridiculous Amount Offer
   If it is not a government or high-profile private organization, you should be doubtful of any highly ridiculous amount a sponsor is granting. They may purportedly place a mouthwatering money to entice and lure applicants who will give out their private information.

Legit Scholarships Features

A real scholarship will have the following information;

• Known official website and sponsors information.
• Wider publication.
• Examination scores and certifications requirements — for placement based on merit.
• Date of winner/beneficiaries announcement.
• Testimonials of previous winners.
• Verified address.

Important Information on Scam Scholarships

Not all scholarships are sourced directly from the sponsors, there are proxy conveners who share scholarships opportunities either through websites or social media platforms. Do not apply for scholarships with the few information you get from people who are not the sponsors. You are advised to proceed to the sponsor’s official website. A proxy scholarships organization will not be responsible for any loss you might encounter if you fall a prey of scammers. Disclaimers are necessary to be read, for example; WorldScholarshipVault has a DISCLAIMER for applicants.

We wish you the best in your scholarship applications.