CLEVELAND — The Better Business Bureau is raising awareness of college recruiting scams targeting athletes and their parents.
As the high school athletic season gets underway, the BBB said scammers look for unsuspecting and vulnerable athletes who are trying to navigate opportunities to play their sport in college.
Some of the main reasons cited by the BBB as the catalyst for making poor decisions on opportunities baited by scammers is the scholarships, notoriety and the dream of competing at their favorite school.
The BBB urges parents and students to do their homework before hiring recruiting agencies.
- Check BBB.org for information on athletic organizations/recruiting services
- Know the current scams: Use the BBB’s ScamTracker to learn of the latest recruiting scam trends.
- Know your representative: Who is your contact if you have questions? Will you be able to call them?
- Get everything in writing: Know the terms of the recruiting agreement before any money is exchanged.
- Never pay recruiting service fees with cash or gift cards. No one person can guarantee a student athlete will receive a scholarship.
Annually, students and families are conned out of thousands of dollars. Many take the money without providing any services such as representation.
