How to spot scholarship scams (and protect your information)

The one rule that filters out most scams

A legitimate scholarship never charges a fee to apply. Any 'processing fee,' 'application fee,' or required purchase to enter is the single clearest sign of a scam. If you see one, walk away.

Red flags

• You have to pay to apply, claim, or 'release' an award.
• Guaranteed winnings — no real scholarship can guarantee you'll win.
• 'You've been selected!' for an award you never applied to.
• Pressure to act now or lose the money.
• Requests for bank account, credit card, or Social Security numbers to 'deposit' your award.
• Vague sponsors with no verifiable website, address, or past winners.

How to verify an award

1. Search the scholarship name plus the word 'scam' and read what comes up.

2. Find the official sponsor site and confirm the award is listed there.

3. Check for a real organization behind it — a foundation, company, or school.

4. Never pay, and never give financial information to receive money.

Protect your data

Legitimate applications ask for academic and contact details — not your bank login. Scholarship Wizard collects only minimal information (no Social Security number) and links you straight to official sponsor pages, so you always apply through the real source.

If you've been targeted

Report suspected scholarship fraud to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and tell your school counselor so they can warn other students.