That companies offering free online study are a scam?

[Flamingoknees]

So, I signed up for a L3 Counselling Course, after it was advertised on a local facebook group. Conditions were-over 19,resident in UK for 3 years, low income/unemployed.
I've took early retirement, and my work pension is well below their income limit.
I spoke to an advisor, was very clear about my finances, and I was assured that I definitely qualified for funding.
I started the course, had emails from a tutor, completed part one, and a few weeks later, tried to log on to submit my first assignment, but couldn't. Checked my emails, and that morning they had emailed to say that I didn't meet their criteria for funding. No apologies - very unprofessional.
They stated I did meet criteria for a L2 course. I've waited some time, then decided to give it a go - filled the forms, did the Maths and English tests, submitted everything, including personal documents, and was told I would be paired up with a local provider. Then nothing.
There's no requirements re income for this course.
It's a scam isn't it?

It's not going to give you a qualification that's actually worth anything. Certainly sounds iffy.
The counselling association will know of online / distance learning courses that are trustworthy and recognised.

The level 3 course is recognised, and needed to access L4 Counselling (the minimum req to practice), but there is something not right about these companies. I suspect they just want everyone signed up so that they get the gov. funding. I don't need the qualifications - I was just looking at courses applicable to my current volunteering role.
The course was real - I completed Part 1.
They seem to dump you, as soon as they have your identifying documents. I hope it's not identity theft!