The Scholarship Scam Quiz

Be careful! This is generally not so. If someone tells you, "You can't get this information anywhere else," beware! Check with your high-school guidance counselor or local librarian for free information about current scholarships before you pay someone for the same --or similar-- information.

Right! If someone tells you, "You can't get this information anywhere else," beware! Check with your high-school guidance counselor or local librarian for free information about current scholarships before you pay someone for the same --or similar--information.

Not so fast! When you hear, "May I have your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship?" Be on the alert. Always get information in writing before giving out your credit card or bank account number.

You're right! When you hear, "May I have your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship?" Be on the alert. Always get information in writing before giving out your credit card or bank account number.

You're right on the money! There's no way around doing the work. You must apply for scholarships yourself.

Would be nice but not true. There's no way around doing the work. You must apply for scholarships yourself.

Usually this is the case! Free money shouldn't cost a thing, so don't pay anyone to hold or guarantee you a scholarship or grant. "Some foundations and organizations ask for an application processing fee, which would be about $15. If you do pay this fee, make sure that it goes directly to the organization that offers the scholarship. Don't give money to a third party," says Linda Grant, director of the National Fraud Information Center of the National Consumers League.

Free money shouldn't cost a thing, so don't pay anyone to hold or guarantee you a scholarship or grant. "Some foundations and organizations ask for an application processing fee, which would be about $15. If you do pay this fee, make sure that it goes directly to the organization that offers the scholarship. Don't give money to a third party," says Linda Grant, director of the National Fraud Information Center of the National Consumers League.