The Department of Education (ED)’s application for federal student loan debt relief is now open and, of course, scammers are on the move — trying to get not just money, but also personal information. Here are ways to stop them!
Be sure to follow the process and be patient. Anyone who says they can put you in front of the line or speed up the process is a scammer.
- Apply at StudentAid.gov/DebtRelief. Nowhere else. Right now, the application is online only and in English and Spanish. A paper application will be available later.
- Don’t pay to apply. It’s FREE. Anyone who says you need to pay or who guarantees approval or quicker forgiveness are scammers!
- Know what to share, where, and when. The real application will ask for your name, birth date, Social Security number, phone number, and address – that’s it. When you apply online, you will not have to upload or attach any documents.
- Know what NOT to share. When you apply, no legitimate person will ask for your FSA ID, bank account, or credit card information. Please stay tuned for more info when ED starts processing applications. Some applicants will have to verify their income, but not yet.
- Expect email updates from the ED. After you apply, you may hear from them to upload tax documents verifying your income or to give updates on your application. Those emails will only come from noreply@studentaid.gov, noreply@debtrelief.studentaid.gov, or ed.gov@public.govdelivery.com. Pay close attention to the sender address for emails about loan forgiveness and look for slight typos to avoid a scammer’s fake or spoofed emails.
- Follow the ED’s process if your application is denied. Anyone who says they can get you approved (for a fee) is a scammer. Your email notice will have instructions. Follow those instructions, and if you have questions, call FSA’s dedicated phone line at (833) 932-3439. Expect long wait times.
If you spot or hear of a scam, please report it at: ReportFraud.ftc.gov