"This financial aid is guaranteed or your money back."

"You cannot get this information anywhere else."

"May I have your credit card or bank account number to hold this financial aid for you?"

"We will do all of the work."

"Getting this financial aid will cost you some money."

"You have been selected by a "national foundation" to receive this financial aid."

"You are a finalist" in a contest that you never entered.

Remember the following tips:

Financial aid applications and help are free. With a little work on your part, college financial aid offices are eagar to help.

Watch out for overselling and high pressure sales tactics from financial aid consultants.

Always contact your high school counselor or the college financial aid office to verify the validity or any offer that sounds too good to be true.

Buyer Beware! Read any contact very carefully before you sign.

Report any problems to the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) or your local Better Business Bureau.