Avoid Financial Aid Scams
Financial aid scams are on the rise, targeting students seeking help with loans, grants, scholarships, and FAFSA applications. Borrowers have reported receiving phone calls, emails, letters, and text messages offering relief from federal student loans or warning that forgiveness programs are ending soon. These so-called debt relief companies often provide no relief at all. Protect yourself by learning about and recognizing the warning signs.
Financial Aid Scams
Financial aid scams are on the rise. Borrowers have reported receiving phone calls, emails, letters, and texts offering relief from federal student loans or warning that forgiveness programs are ending soon. These so-called debt relief companies often provide no relief at all. Some will charge you fees, steal your personal information, or make your situation worse. Free help is always available through the Financial Aid Office and through StudentAid.gov.
Read About Financial Aid ScamsTips to Identify Scams
Watch for these warning signs that a company or contact may be fraudulent. A company may be fraudulent if they
- Require you to pay up-front or monthly fees for help
- Promise immediate and total loan forgiveness or cancellation
- Ask for your FSA ID username and password
- Ask you to sign a third-party authorization or power of attorney
- Pressure you to act immediately with a limited-time offer
- Send communications with spelling and grammatical errors
Please note: Frederick Community College, and any FCC partner company, will never ask for your password or login credentials.
View the FTC List of Banned Companies
What to Do if You Have Been Defrauded
You are not alone. Scammers count on their victims feeling embarrassed and staying silent. If you have been targeted, contact your bank immediately and place a hold on your account to stop further charges. Call your student loan servicer and let them know what happened. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
File a Complaint with the Federal Trade CommissionContact Us
Student Financial Aid Office
Jefferson Hall (3rd Floor)
[email protected]
301.846.2620
Student Accounts Center
Jefferson Hall (3rd Floor)
[email protected]
301.846.2456
FCC Foundation Office
Annapolis Hall (2nd Floor)
[email protected]
301.846.2438