Is the Tide x Downy x Gain Scholarship Legit… should I be worried?

Hey everyone, I got an email yesterday saying I might be a winner for the Tide x Downy x Gain Scholarship, which is awesome, but I’m feeling pretty nervous. They asked for my social security number, and I’m not sure if I should give it. I think it’s probably real, but I’m a little paranoid. My brother was scammed once because he gave his social to someone (not for a scholarship), and I don’t want to end up in the same situation. I could really use the money, especially after seeing my winter quarter bill.

Here are some details from the email:

The email was sent through DocuSign.

“Please note, the Official Rules state that in order to be confirmed as a winner, entrants must submit to a background check (if the entrant is 18 years of age or older). Therefore, we are required to obtain your social security number (if you are over the age of 18). The social security number will ONLY be used for background check purposes.”

I know it says why they need it, but I’m still feeling unsure… any advice would be appreciated!

You should reach out to the contact listed on the official website to double-check everything. As for the scholarship itself, it’s pretty well-known and it’s affiliated with big brands. Congrats on potentially winning!

Make sure the email domain is legitimate. Look for any spelling mistakes in the email and check if the links take you to the right website. If something seems off, it could be a phishing attempt, so be cautious.