DENVER -- They promise to help your child get a scholarship, but an exclusive 7NEWS investigation raises questions about a national company's recent trip to Denver.

7NEWS undercover employee: Have you ever had anybody who didn't get any money?
Cindy, College Financial Aid Services: No, never ... never ...

Cindy is a counselor for College Financial Aid Services, a company based in Albany, NY. She wants our business.

Cindy, College Financial Aid Services: Matter of fact, out of 45,000 clients, 11 years of being in business ...
7NEWS undercover employee: You've got financial aid for everybody ...
Cindy, College Financial Aid Services: Every single person who has walked through that door.

It's a bold, broad-reaching guarantee. What she doesn't know is she made her sales pitch to a 7NEWS hidden camera.

7NEWS undercover employee: If I don't do it this weekend ...
Cindy, College Financial Aid Services: Right ...
7NEWS undercover employee: Then it's $1,400, not $795.
Cindy, College Financial Aid Services: Right ...

The sales pitch followed a 60-minute presentation for $795, the company claims it can save you thousands of dollars in college tuition.

Frank Marola, College Financial Aid Services: Our program focuses on gift aid -- money that you don't have to pay back .

Marola's talking to dozens of Denver area families -- all receiving a special invitation from college Financial Aid Services.

Frank Marola, College Financial Aid Services: If the colleges do your financial aid, it's like the IRS doing your taxes. We know that wouldn't be a good thing.

Tony Kovaleski, 7NEWS: Bothered by that statement?
David Gruen, Denver University: Oh sure, it's an inaccurate portrayal.

7NEWS Investigates asked the directors of financial aid at Denver University and CU Boulder to review the entire presentation and pitch.

Karon Johnson, CU Boulder Financial Aid Director: It is misleading to suggest to families or guarantee they will get financial aid.

David Gruen, Denver University: I think they are providing an unnecessary service.

Karon Johnson, CU Boulder Financial Aid Director: You can do that yourself for free and have a $795 scholarship.
Tony Kovaleski,7NEWS: So you are saying it's a waste of money ...
Karon Johnson, CU Boulder Financial Aid Director: Arguably, it's a waste of money.

Financial aid directors are not the only ones questioning the techniques, promises and credibility of this company.

Frank Marola, College Financial Aid Services: We are proud members of various chambers of commerce throughout the whole entire United States.

Representatives from College Financial Aid Services boast about their better business bureau record.

7NEWS undercover employee: So with all the better business bureaus, you guys are in good standing right?
Cindy, College Financial Aid Services: You betcha ... 100 percent.

But 7NEWS Investigates found a different story -- complaints on file with Better Business Bureaus in Colorado and 26 other states. The BBB in upstate New York says College Financial Aid Services has an unsatisfactory record with the bureau.

Ultimately, the biggest problem our experts found with this company was guaranteeing scholarships and financial aid without confirming a students grades or a parent's income.

Tony Kovaleski: She guaranteed to me that you would provide financial aid. Frank Marola, College Financial Aid Services: Interview's over.
Tony Kovaleski: She guaranteed financial aid. Can anyone guarantee financial aid?

Tony Kovaleski: Hi Cindy, Tony Kovaleski with 7NEWS Investigates. Do you have a moment?
Cindy, College Financial Aid Services: No. I don't.
Tony Kovaleski: You didn't tell me the truth. You lied to me.
Cindy, College Financial Aid Services: No.
Tony Kovaleski: Do you want to read something?
Cindy, College Financial Aid Services: No.
Tony Kovaleski: Do you want to read something?
Cindy, College Financial Aid Services: No.

College Financial Aid Services also has complaints on file with the Colorado attorney general. The attorney general in Arkansas issued a warning about this company. If you have questions about financial aid... There are several free Web sites to help you understand the process.

Based on information from the BBB and our experts, this is a case of buyer beware.

Additional Information:

The Smart StudentGuide to Financial Aid has FAQa, Scam reports, FA advisor and many other links
Tips on getting cash for college from National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Financial aid tips from the Department of Education
Paying for college: advice from College Board
Search for scholarships with FastWEB
"Don't Miss Out: The Ambitious Student's Guide to Financial Aid" by Anna J. Leider and Robert Leider can be found at Octameron Press
Be sure to go to the college or university Web sites of the schools you are most interested in attending. They have specific information concerning financial aid for their students.