Bit of a warning for scholarships

Paying for College
1

<p>Just wanted to share my story so that some people watch themselves a little more carefully...</p>

<p>Yeah, we all check to make sure we're only applying for real scholarships, that we aren't being robbed, and that our social security numbers stay private. Even those popular companies make pretty bad mistakes, though. In Arizona, we have the Flinn Foundation, which gives full-ride scholarships and a great deal to AZ kids. I've known several Flinn Scholars personally and trust(ed) their program, so I applied.</p>

<p>First, the application process was a nightmare; they demanded I list two guardians when I only have one, and they eventually rejected me because of the school I went to and the guardianship issue. This made me pretty angry, so I withdrew, as did several other applicants from my school. That isn't the story, however.</p>

<p>A few months later, I kept getting letters that someone was filing taxes with my SSN, that my identity had been stolen, yadda yadda, all that drama. We dealt with it and thought it was just some fluke. A few days ago, I got a letter from the Flinn Foundation that they accidentally gave the SSNs of several applications to a third party. Turns out -- among many victims of this -- two of the applicants from my school had their identities stolen as well from this.</p>

<p>So, in short: watch out for the information you give, no matter to what scholarship provider, and make sure all your information is deleted as soon as you are accepted/denied a scholarship. It'll save you plenty of trouble in the long run. (And AZ kids looking at the Flinn: well... my personal opinion may be a bit violent and fueled by hatred right now.)</p>

2

<p>My mom worries the same thing will happen to us. I’m sorry to hear what happened. Best of luck!</p>

3

<p>That’s why I never know to give my SSN or not. I want to put x’s and only the last 4 numbers, but I’m not sure if programs will get rid of my application for doing that. </p>

<p>I’m sorry about what happend to you though. It’s like we can’t trust anyone anymore.</p>

4

<p>Very true. I think this was the first time I gave my SSN for anything, and it was to a group I’ve dealt with before and knew others who had been dealing with them for years. Bit of a shock, and it’s going to make me reconsider applying for most scholarships now.</p>

5

<p>When you apply for scholarships, they don’t need your SSN. The only one that needs that is your college. So, when you apply for them, I’d just give the last 4 numbers. If they deny you bc of that, well… too bad for them, I guess. Also, remember to black out SSNs except for last 4 numbers on tax returns and FSA documents. Good scholarship foundations will just ask why and won’t ask for the whole number bc they don’t need it.</p>