If you’ve read some of my past columns, you might remember me touting the phrase “constant vigilance” as a general mindset in dealings on the internet.
That’s because scammers run amok on the web. In our increasingly digital world, it’s probably their favorite territory.
Well, here we are again with a fresh target.
The federal government’s student loan forgiveness application process rolled out this month, and we’re already seeing scammers try to take advantage of the situation.
People with student loan debt likely want to get the process taken care of quickly, given the legal challenges that threaten to unravel the initiative. Unfortunately, these situations are where scammers thrive.
But there’s good news. Knowledge is the ultimate enemy of the scammer.
The more informed the consumer, the less likely they are to be scammed. It’s as simple as that.
Both the federal government and the Better Business Bureau have laid out steps to avoid scams when applying for student loan forgiveness.
Biden administration officials have said around 40 million Americans are eligible, so the potential for scams is high.
Most importantly, make sure you’re accessing the correct website. StudentAid.gov is the official website that’s been set up by the federal government for the student loan forgiveness application process.
Only use this website, and double check to make sure you’re on the right one by looking at the address bar and making sure the…
