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FORT MYERS - Lee county deputies tell us they're getting reports about a scam that's turning students into prey for scammers.

Authorities say they got a call into their fraud line from a college student who was reportedly scammed out of nearly a thousand dollars for what she thought was a legitimate grant program.

The scammer tells her that she qualified for financial aid.  All she had to do to get it was make a donation to a charity for sick children by wiring him money. As you can guess there was no charity, now that student is left in the lurch. So what do you need to know to keep it from happening to you?

Red flags are if someone tells you they will need money up front before they can offer you any information or assistance.

Also, look out for promises or guarantees that you'll get the grant in the amount you want while offering prizes to divert your attention.

Avoid anything that requires your credit card number, social security number, or bank account number to get you started.