Scholarship scam warning signs: verify before you pay

A convincing logo or a message using a university's name does not prove an offer is real. Verify the award and any payment request directly with the official provider before acting.

1. 1. Find the offer on the provider's official website

   Navigate to the university, government or scholarship provider's website yourself. Do not rely only on a link in a social post, email or message. Check that the exact award and current application cycle are described there.

2. 2. Treat guaranteed awards and urgent pressure as warning signs

   A message promising that you are guaranteed to win, demanding an immediate decision, or claiming special access should be independently confirmed with the provider using contact details from its official website.

3. 3. Separate legitimate costs from a fee to release an award

   Application, testing, document or visa costs may exist, but do not assume a payment request is genuine. Confirm the fee, payee and payment route directly with the institution or relevant authority. Be especially cautious of requests to pay an individual or to pay money to unlock a promised scholarship.

4. 4. Protect identity and banking information

   Do not send passwords, one-time login codes or full bank credentials to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Confirm any request for identity documents through the official application portal and privacy information.

5. 5. Save evidence and report suspicious messages

   Keep the message, sender details, payment instructions and website address. Contact the named provider through its published official channel and report suspected fraud to the consumer-protection or law-enforcement authority in your country.