Student debt relief scam warning

As COVID-19’s impact on daily life lessens, student loan borrowers whose repayments were paused due to COVID-19 may be considering their options for resuming payments on this potentially life-altering debt. This may lead some borrowers to look into debt consolidation. Better Business Bureau cautions borrowers to research these options carefully and not give in to the temptation to seek a quick fix that could turn out to be a scam. The Better Business Bureau received more than 400 reports of debt relief and credit repair scams in North America in 2020. These scams cost consumers a reported total of more than $246, with the median consumer losing $800. Most commonly, these reported scams involved payment by bank account debit. Up-front fees, including fees to enter a repayment plan, are a common thread among debt relief scams. These up-front fees are illegal, and according to the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid division, borrowers are never required to pay for assistance with their student loans. If you receive a call or email from someone offering student debt relief, it’s a scam, don’t fall for it.