How to avoid a FAFSA scam

With so much advice on FAFSA, who do you trust? The official government website for fafsa is the ONLY website that is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. Many websites begin with the "f a f s a" acronym or have the fafsa symbol, but are not the official website. Do not be fooled. These sites will charge a fee for their service and they will have acess to all of your personal information!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• COMPUTER
• SS# (PARENTS AND DEPENDENT)
• DRIVERS LICENSE # (PARENTS AND DEPENDENT)
• W-2 OR ESTIMATE OF WAGES EARNED (PARENTS AND DEPENDENT)
• PIN (PARENT AND DEPENDENT)

1. Go directly to www.fafsa.ed.gov on a personal, safe computer. Follow the three steps as directed on this website. You can fill out your fafsa even if you do not have all your w-2 or financial information in order. The fafsa allows you to make corrections at a later date without penalty.

2. Step ONE(dark green) outlines the information needed before you get started. You will need to apply for a pin number as directed in step one of the fafsa, do this first. You will use this number throughout your entire college career each time you need to fill out the fafsa form. Parents and dependents alike need a pin.
   Make a list of needed documentation and gather this information before begin. It will make the entire process quick and simple for you if you are prepared. If you still feel uncertain, you may print out the worksheet provided by the website to use as a guide. After filling out the worksheet, go to Step Two of the fafsa.

3. Step TWO (light green) is the actual step where the fafsa is completed. If you have done your homework, this will be easy. The important thing to remember is not to use your back arrow on your computer. Use the "previous page" button at the bottom of each page. When comleted, print out your confirmation page. It will have a confirmation number and your "Expected Family Contibution" (EFC).

4. Step THREE (red) is used if you need to make a correction or submit information that was previously estimated. You will receive a new confirmation and EFC at that time.

Tips & Warnings

• KEEP YOUR PIN NUMBER IN A SAFE PLACE TO USE EVERY YEAR.
• The fafsa if FREE. If you are instructed to give your credit card, or if there is a fee involved, then you are NOT on the official government site.

[Gardengates]

on 2/21/2009 Thanks for the good tips to avoid a fafsa scam. Saddly, there are so many scammers out there looking to take advantage...!