I've noticed a number of alerts about "free money" and guaranteed scholarships on the Web. Are they legitimate?

Unfortunately, there are some services that raise people's expectations regarding the grantseeking process and availability of funds, especially for individuals. Here are some tips and resources regarding avoiding scholarship (and other) scams.

The following advice comes from the National Association of Attorneys General:

• Be wary of claims such as "the scholarship is guaranteed or your money back." Nobody can guarantee you a grant or scholarship. Refund guarantees often have conditions or strings attached.
• There are many free lists of scholarships. Check with your guidance counselor or library before you pay someone to do the work for you.
• Don’t pay anyone who claims to be "holding" a scholarship for you. Free money should not cost a thing.
• Before sending money to apply for a scholarship, check it out. Make sure the foundation or program is legitimate.
• Get all information in writing and do not provide financial information over the telephone. You may unwittingly authorize a withdrawal from your bank account.

In addition there are several online and print resources which can be of assistance in learning about how to avoid scholarship scams and what to do if you feel you have become a victim of one, including:

• The Federal Trade Commission maintains a $cholarship $cams page that provides tips and resources for students and parents.

• FinAid: The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid has a Scholarship Scams page that includes a listing of common scholarship scams, information on how to protect yourself from scholarship scams, how to report scams, and how to investigate suspicious offers.

• FastWeb has posted scholarship scam information on its site, including general information, scam warning signs, articles, links to organizations you can turn to if you suspect a scholarship scam, and a chart describing what's legitimate and what is not.

• ConsumerAffairs.com has information on why to watch out for the phrase "free money."

• The Philanthropy News Digest article "Mail-Order Grant Scams on the Rise" details a mail order business that took advantage of individuals and deluged a community foundation with requests.

Finally, the basic adage holds true that, "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

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