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After the Supreme Court on Friday struck down the Biden administration’s debt relief plan, scammers may target student loan borrowers as loan repayments prepare to restart in the fall, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC said in a statement that scammers often “take advantage of the confusion of such breaking news.” consumer alert Posted Saturday.
“If you’re worried about paying back your loan, the offer of ‘help’ may be tempting,” the alert said. “Scammers may start flooding robocalls and text messages asking for ‘help’ with your loan.”
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The Biden administration’s forgiveness program will forgive up to $20,000 in federal student loans for tens of millions of borrowers.
It is estimated that about 14 million people will have their student debt completely eliminated. Now, after more than three years of an interest-free moratorium, they and other borrowers must be ready to start making monthly loan payments again in October.
President Joe Biden said Friday after the Supreme Court ruling that his administration will seek another way to achieve debt relief. Borrowers will also have a 12-month period when payments restart, during which time they will not face the worst consequences of defaulting on payments, including defaults or negative marks on their credit reports, Biden said.
In the meantime, here are three ways to spot a student loan scam if a fraudster is trying to contact you, according to the FTC.
1. Do not trust anyone who promises debt relief or loan forgiveness
The FTC said scammers try to make themselves appear authentic by looking like official names, seals and logos. They might say they are affiliated with the US Department of Education.
“They promise special repayment plans or forgiveness options, but that doesn’t exist,” the FTC said. “If you’re tempted, slow down, hang up, and log into your student loan account to review your choose.”
2. Do not give out your FSA ID login information
anyone who says they need you Federal Student Aid ID “Helpers are helping you,” the FTC said.
“If you share it, scammers can cut you off from your provider or even steal your identity,” the agency wrote.
3. Never pay student loan help
“There’s nothing a company can do that you can’t do for free,” the FTC said.
You can get help in the following ways StudentAid.gov/repay. If your loan is private, contact your loan servicer directly, the FTC says.
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