Resources

Student Loan Debt Relief

Beware of companies that specialize in student loan debt relief. These companies charge large up-front or monthly fees for federal student aid services offered by the Department of Education and its student loan services for free. Such services include:

  • Consolidating federal student loans;
  • Changing repayment plans;
  • Resolving defaults;
  • Filing requests for borrower defense loan cancellation; and
  • Other benefits and services that students are entitled to receive at no charge

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/websites-target-those-with-student-loan-debt/158764209

In December 2014, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a consumer advisory (https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/consumer-advisory-student-loan-debt-relief-companies-may-cost-you-thousands-of-dollars-and-drive-you-further-into-debt/) concerning third-party debt relief companies that schools may wish to use in informing students about these companies.

The advisory includes four warning signs of third-party debt relief companies that student loan borrowers should avoid, including:

  • Pressure to pay high up-front fees;
  • Promises of immediate loan forgiveness or debt cancellation;
  • Demands that you sign a "third party authorization"; or
  • Request for a student's Federal Student Aid PIN or FSA ID

The above information is from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid Electronic Announcement, March 30, 2016.

FTC Takes Action in Student Loan Debt Relief Scam Sweep