Student Safety Center
Scams Targeting Students
Comprehensive guides for 10 scam types specifically targeting students, college applicants, and young adults
Fake Scholarships
Most Common
You 'won' a scholarship you never applied for — a classic red flag.
6 red flags·3 examples
Fake Internships
High Risk
Dream internship with no interview — if only that were real.
6 red flags·3 examples
Fake Tutoring Jobs
Growing Trend
Easy tutoring gig that turns into a check-cashing scheme.
5 red flags·2 examples
FAFSA Scams
Peak Season
Fake FAFSA 'verification' emails designed to steal your federal aid.
5 red flags·2 examples
Student Loan Scams
High Volume
Fake loan forgiveness programs that steal your payments.
5 red flags·2 examples
Fake College Admissions Consultants
Growing
Paid thousands for 'guaranteed admission' that never came.
5 red flags·1 example
Fake Study Abroad Programs
Seasonal
Paid thousands for a study abroad program that didn't exist.
5 red flags·1 example
Fake Ambassador Programs
Social Media Driven
Free products, big commissions — actually a pyramid scheme.
5 red flags·1 example
Fake Research Opportunities
Academic Targeting
Paid research stipend that required 'processing fees' first.
5 red flags·1 example
Fake Academic Competitions
Niche Scam
Won a national competition you never entered — suspicious!
5 red flags·1 example
