A scholarship or grant is free money - you should never have to pay for one. Watch out for companies that make generous scholarship promises, charge you money to apply for or receive a scholarship, try to get you to send money by claiming you're a finalist in a scholarship contest, or request your credit card or bank account number to hold a scholarship or grant for you. Also be wary of free seminars that turn into high-pressure sales pitches for financial aid information that's readily available for free. Reputable companies neither guarantee scholarships nor use agressive tactics.