Student loan forgiveness scam texts
These messages claim you qualify for full student loan forgiveness under a "new program" and ask for a processing fee or your FSA ID login. Real federal student aid help is free.
How this scam works
Hope of having the loan erased makes the fee feel worth it. With your FSA ID, scammers can change your contact details and redirect your account.
Common versions of the message
- Full forgiveness under a new program
- A one-time processing fee
- A request for your FSA ID login
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 013-2207
FINAL NOTICE: You qualify for full student loan forgiveness under the new federal program. Spots close today. Pay the one-time $299 processing fee and send your FSA ID login to lock in your approval.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Too good to be true: “full student loan forgiveness”
Real relief comes from your servicer or studentaid.gov
Real forgiveness programs are explained on studentaid.gov and handled by your loan servicer.
- 2
Rushed deadline: “Spots close today”
Pressure so you pay before checking
The "spots close today" deadline is pressure. Real programs do not work that way.
- 3
Upfront fee: “$299 processing fee”
Federal loan help never charges a fee
You never have to pay to apply for federal student loan help.
- 4
Asks for your login: “send your FSA ID login”
Never share your FSA ID with anyone
Your FSA ID is like a password. Nobody legitimate will ask you for it.
What to do
- Do not pay anything or share your FSA ID.
- Check your options at studentaid.gov or with your loan servicer, using contact details you look up yourself.
- Report the message at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you shared your FSA ID, change your password at studentaid.gov and check that your contact details have not been changed.
- If you paid a fee by card, call your card issuer right away to dispute it.
- If you signed anything giving a company power over your account, contact your loan servicer directly.
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