Student Loan Scams

To protect yourself from student loan scams — including fake loan offers, bogus “forgiveness” schemes, and fraudulent relief services — keep these trusted tips in mind:

• Only use official government resources like StudentAid.gov to manage federal loan accounts and explore repayment or forgiveness options. You do not need to pay anyone for basic loan services.

• Your loan servicer — the company that collects your payments — can help you understand repayment plans, deferment, forbearance, and legitimate forgiveness programs. Always contact them directly if you need help.

• Ignore unsolicited offers promising guaranteed loan approval, instant forgiveness, or special debt relief — especially if they require upfront fees. These are common scam tactics.

• Watch out for high‑pressure messages that urge you to act quickly to qualify for a program. Legitimate options do not have artificial deadlines or countdowns.

• Never share your FSA ID, password, Social Security number, bank account details, or other sensitive login information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Government agencies and servicers will not ask for these details via email or unsolicited calls.

• Be skeptical of official‑looking logos, seals, or email headers that appear to be from the Department of Education or federal programs — scammers often copy these to seem genuine.

• If you receive a suspicious email, text, or call, log in to your loan account directly through StudentAid.gov or call your servicer using the number on your official statement to confirm whether it’s legitimate.

• Research any company offering loan help by checking consumer protection databases and official complaint registries before engaging with them.

By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of student loan scams and ensure you’re working with legitimate resources when dealing with your loan.