Student Loan Forgiveness Scams Pose Threat to Ohio Borrowers

As the fall approaches and repayment plans resume for student loan forgiveness in Ohio, consumer groups are warning of an increased risk of falling victim to student loan forgiveness scams.

This threat arises following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to block the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness relief plan, which scammers may view as an opportunity

Consumer advocate Judy Dollison, president of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio, emphasized that scammers specifically target individuals desperate for student loan forgiveness relief from their burdensome monthly loan payments. She cautioned borrowers to be cautious of any communication, whether through email, phone calls, or text messages, claiming eligibility for lower payments through a debt relief program, especially if an upfront fee is required.

To safeguard against falling prey to scams, Dollison advised conducting thorough research before sharing personal information and relying solely on official government websites like ED.gov and studentaid.gov for information on student loan forgiveness consolidation. Instances of fraud should be reported to the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker or the Federal Student Aid Information Center.

The average student loan forgiveness debt in Ohio exceeds $34,000, with nearly 1.8 million residents carrying student loan forgiveness debt

Dollison emphasized the importance of borrowers reviewing the terms of their loans at this time. Notably, the Department of Education collaborates with numerous private companies, including lenders. A list of these partners can be found on studentaid.gov, enabling borrowers to distinguish legitimate companies from scammers.

In response to the Supreme Court ruling, President Joe Biden expressed his intent to explore alternative measures to potentially provide student loan forgiveness relief to borrowers, which could include incorporating some form of student loan forgiveness within the Higher Education Act.

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