Student Athlete Scholars Scam: Red Flags That Stand Out -

Have you heard of the student-athlete scholars scam? Lots of talented student athletes have fallen victim to this scam. This is how it works!

What Is The Student Athlete Scholars Scam

So, not every student-athlete scholarship program is a scam, but there are some dishonest folks out there using the website studentatheletescholars.org to target aspiring student-athletes. Here’s the deal: Student Athlete Scholars says they hand out over $100k in scholarships every year, but tax records tell a different story – only about $35k actually went out the door. It just doesn’t add up to be honest.

Oh, and guess where they make a big chunk of their money? From paid memberships which is one of the requirements to sign up. They range from $75 to $300, That’s raking in tens of thousands of bucks each year. And here’s the real head-scratcher: They talk about having “thousands” of members, but their records say it’s more like hundreds. That makes you wonder about the scale of their impact.

And that claim that members get a 118% better shot at scholarships? Well, there’s no proof of that. College admissions are a lot more complicated than any one program can handle. So, it’s a bit of a mystery, Don’t fall for it!

Why It’s A Scam

First things first, most legit student athlete scholarship groups don’t ask you to cough up cash just to apply. But guess what? Student Athlete Scholars wants you to pay $75 upfront just to get in the door. Ouch!
Then there’s the issue of vague scholarship amounts. They don’t spill the beans on how much they’ve actually given out or how they pick winners. That kind of secrecy is a red flag for shady stuff.
And here’s the kicker – they’re not playing by the same rules as the big shots. Student Athlete Scholars isn’t regulated or linked up with well-known groups like the Better Business Bureau. So, their practices are kinda in the shadows.

Watch Out For These Red Flags

Do Your Homework: Start by checking out the organization offering the scholarship. Look for their official website, contact info, and feedback from past scholarship winners. Legit groups have an online presence.
Beware of Wild Promises: If a program makes big, unbelievable promises like “full scholarships for everyone,” it’s a sign to be cautious. Real opportunities are more realistic.
Check for Accreditation: Make sure the school or program offering the scholarship is accredited by the right folks. It’s crucial for the quality of education you’ll receive.
Watch Out for Upfront Fees: Legitimate scholarships usually don’t ask for huge upfront fees. If they’re demanding money right off the bat, consider it a red flag.
Get Guidance: If you’re eyeing a sports scholarship, chat with your high school coach, counselor, or athletic department. They can give you solid advice and help you find legit options.
Read the Fine Print: Always go through any contracts or agreements linked to the scholarship. Understand what you’re getting into, including any responsibilities.
Contact the Big Shots: In the US, organizations like the NCAA keep an eye on college sports. You can reach out to them to double-check if a scholarship is the real deal.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts. Seek advice from folks you trust.

Tips To Avoid Being Scammed

To dodge the scam or any other type of scam

Be careful with unexpected emails and video graphics about refunds. If they look weird, have mistakes, or come from strange addresses, watch out.
Don’t click any links or download stuff from these emails. They could be bad news.
Check if it’s real by contacting the real folks through their official website or customer service.
Keep your computer safe with antivirus updates

What To Do If You Have Been Scammed?

Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.
Inform your bank or credit card issuer about the unauthorized transaction and request a chargeback.
Change your online passwords: If you have shared your password with the scammer, change your password immediately.
Also be sure to use a strong and unique password for each account.
Report the scam: You can report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local law enforcement agency.
Check your credit rreport: Monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity.
Stay vigilant: Be alert for any other phishing scams or suspicious emails, and do not share any sensitive information

Conclusion

In a nutshell, when it comes to student-athlete scholarship programs, be cautious. Some are legit, but there are also scams out there. So, do your research, stay alert, and don’t be fooled by overly attractive offers.