Warning about company that promises to help with college

Financial aid info for free

A warning for parents who are looking for help finding financial aid for their college bound kids - you may want to beware companies charging high fees for information you can likely get for free.

Lambert Franklin has dreams to send his son Morgan to college.

"At this day and time you will go nowhere without a degree," said Franklin.

Morgan is a junior at Oldham County High School and recently got a letter from College Admissions Assistance. The letter informed him about ways their company can open doors to Morgan's college career.

"They were having a seminar and they would give us a lot of information about admissions, financial aid, and everyone is looking for any type of assistance they can get," said Franklin.

So, the Franklins attended the seminar at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel near the fairgrounds over the weekend. After two hours of lectures and interviews, Franklin was told he would have to pay the company $2,000 to help get his son into college. Franklin signed up, but right after his gut told him he made a mistake. He got online and checked out the company.

"Once I started looking at blogs and some things on this company, there was too much negative publicity," said Franklin.

According to the Better Business Bureau, College Admissions Assistance got a D+ rating.

"It's pretty bad," said Reanna Smith-Hamblin from the BBB. "You gotta think if your report card do you want your child to get a D+? Probably not."

The BBB has over 70 complaints filed against College Admissions Assistance. They say the company is reported to prey on low income, minority groups by using questionable and high pressure sales tactics.

Franklin has even contacted the Texas Attorney General's office who told him they have eight records in their consumer protection complaint gathering system against College Admissions Assistance.

The BBB said the company appears to be a legitimate business, but has a questionable reputation.

"They need to understand that they can get this help on their own," said Smith-Hamblin. "It is free through guidance counselors and contact the college you are interested in."

Franklin said he canceled his check and contract.

"Quite frankly, I think I could go online and get a ton of information," said Franklin. "It takes time but, it's time instead of money."

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Warning about company that promises to help with college - AmericaNowNews.com

Financial aid info for free

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