Scam library · Government impostor · Email & phishing · Phone calls
Student loan forgiveness scam
Calls, texts and ads promise to cut your student loan payments to zero or get your debt forgiven, for an upfront fee or a monthly charge. Some ask for your FSA ID password so they can 'handle the paperwork'.
Changes to repayment plans and court rulings have left many borrowers confused, which scammers exploit. Everything these companies offer, you can do for free with your loan servicer or at StudentAid.gov.
What the message looks like
From: "Student Aid Relief Center" (+1 833-555-0175)
FINAL NOTICE: Your federal student loans may qualify for full forgiveness under the new 2026 program. Deadline is Friday.
Call 1-833-555-0175 to secure your spot. One-time enrollment fee of $399 applies.
How this scam works
Scammers use names that sound official, like 'Student Loan Forgiveness Department', and seals that look like the Department of Education. Once they have your FSA ID, they can change your contact info so you stop hearing from your real servicer, and switch you to plans you didn't choose.
Federal Student Aid warns that you never have to pay for help with your federal student loans, and never to share your FSA ID with anyone.
Some 'debt relief' companies charge monthly fees and tell you to stop paying your loans while they 'process' forgiveness. That can lead to default and damaged credit.
Red flags
- Upfront or monthly fees for forgiveness or consolidation.
- Requests for your FSA ID username and password.
- Deadlines, 'final notices' and 'new programs' you can't find on StudentAid.gov.
- Telling you to stop paying your loans or your servicer.
- Asking you to sign a power of attorney or third-party authorization.
How to tell it’s fake
- Log in to StudentAid.gov yourself to see your loans and real options.
- Call your loan servicer using the number on StudentAid.gov.
- Search the company name with 'complaints' or check with your state attorney general.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Hang up or don't reply. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you paid
- Contact your bank or card issuer to stop payments and dispute charges. Revoke any third-party authorization with your servicer.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared your FSA ID, change your password at StudentAid.gov and check your contact information. Call your servicer to confirm nothing changed.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer. It checks pages and emails that claim to be student loan programs and notices when a site imitates the Department of Education on a non-.gov address or asks for your FSA ID. It warns you before you pay. If an offer seems legit, compare it with StudentAid.gov first.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Do I have to pay to get student loan forgiveness?
- No. Federal Student Aid says you never have to pay for help with federal student loans.
- Is it safe to give a company my FSA ID?
- No. Your FSA ID is like a signature. Don't share it.
- How do I check my real options?
- Log in at StudentAid.gov or call your loan servicer.
- What if the company already has my loans in a new plan?
- Call your real servicer from StudentAid.gov, ask what changed, and revoke any authorization you gave the company. Then report the company to the FTC and your state attorney general.