Here are some common types of financial aid scams to watch out for:
FAFSA scams: The scammer promises to expand your eligibility for financial aid and take care of all the paperwork, on the condition you pay a processing fee and provide your FAFSA ID. At best, you'll be sacrificing your own funds for this so-called processing fee. At worst, your personal information could be compromised and manipulated to the scammer's own ends.
Scholarship scam: The scammer promises or guarantees you a scholarship or grant for an upfront cost, which they then pocket while giving you nothing legitimate in return.
Suspicious seminars: The scammer offers a financial aid or scholarship seminar that uses pressure tactics (e.g. pay now or miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity) or is evasive in providing information about themselves, their offerings, or their policies. Always investigate an organization thoroughly before committing money.