Big Goals Need Smart Moves

Scholarships, financial aid and part-time jobs can make college more affordable and help students move closer to their goals. Unfortunately, scammers know how valuable those opportunities are, too.

Fake scholarship offers and job postings can look surprisingly legitimate. Some use familiar company names, professional-looking emails or promises of easy money to get students to act quickly.

A few warning signs can help you spot trouble:

• You’re asked to pay upfront. You shouldn’t have to pay to receive a scholarship or get a job.

• The offer seems too good to be true. Be cautious of guaranteed scholarships or high-paying jobs requiring little experience.

• You’re sent a check and asked to send money back. The check may eventually be discovered as fake, leaving you responsible for the money.

• You’re pressured to act immediately or share sensitive information. Never provide passwords, PINs or security codes.

The best defense is simple: slow down and verify. Instead of clicking a link in an unexpected email or text, find the school, scholarship organization or employer independently and contact them through a trusted website or phone number.

Big goals are worth pursuing. Taking a few extra minutes to make sure an opportunity is legitimate can help protect both your money and your future.

Want to learn more?

Read the full article for additional warning signs, tips for finding legitimate scholarships and jobs, and what to do if you think you've been scammed.

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