For many students, having the opportunity to participate in a contest or a challenge seeking ideas and solving problems is always a privilege. Some students love them because they allow them to show their prowess and public speaking skills. Others, because it is an opportunity to present their laudable ideas.
Of course, a quick search of the internet would reveal that tons of these opportunities exist. Some organizations only give certificates and a little compensation to students for coming up with such brilliant ideas. Others like the HULT prize go further to give them significant funding to kick start implementation or further grow the business. However, some only seek ideas to be used for their benefit.
Students, of course, who are eager fall for this. They do not know of the ulterior motive behind such contests.
More than contests, students are now even falling for fake scholarships. Over time, various organizations have come out with press releases and disclaimers about supposed scholarship schemes. The most recent one that made quite the rounds was the “TETFUND Grant of 20,000”.
Students were asked to input many personal details for this application and share the link to seven Whatsapp groups after. This technique collected unsuspecting student’s data and ensured that they distributed the link to others.
As a student, as much as you are eager to utilize an opportunity, it is advised that you take a step back and confirm the authenticity.
How to spot a scam
- Check the Website. The “TETFUND Scholarship”, for example, was not on TETFUND’s official page.
- Ask Questions. Does the initiative have a social media page? What discussions are going on there? Are there past winners of the contest/scholarship? Was there an official press release?
- Check the history and the application or contest procedure.
