The following characteristics are normally associated with scholarship scam groups:

• Guarantees are the first signs to tell you to beware of what is to come...

• Application Fees that are unreasonable - normally exceeding $50.00...

• High Success rates hype...

• Quotes from past successful people who have won big....

• Unsolicited mailing...

• "You have won a scholarship" or "We are holding a scholarship in your name"... only hype..

• Everybody is eligible for free scholarship money...

• "Over 6 billion dollars went unused last year" hype...

• Recruiting you or your student to apply for their service within 6 or 7 months before college starts in the fall (this process should start 15 to 18 months before school starts).

No permanent address, use of mail drop, post office box, or working out of temporary offices.