It could be a familiar call.
“Hey, it’s Elizabeth with Student Advisors,” a warm, professional voice began in a voicemail left on Sept. 13, weeks after the Biden administration announced it would be offering up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness for the nation’s tens of millions of borrowers.
“I’m just giving you a call in regards to your school loan. I do have you prequalified here for the updated forgiveness program and possibly even loan discharge. It is imperative that we go over the details just as soon as possible because it does look like your status is going to expire soon. But I will go ahead and keep it in pending status for you for now,” the voice — “Elizabeth” — said in the voicemail, before leaving a callback number.
On Monday, President Joe Biden formally announced the opening of the federal student debt cancellation application, following a “beta” test of the process over the weekend which had drawn in 8 million applicants.
While mostly celebrating the political implications of his policy, Biden also carved out a warning for eligible borrowers: Be wary of increased scam attempts, which prey upon people desperate to have their school loans forgiven.
President Joe Biden speaks about the student debt relief portal beta test as Education Secretary Miguel Cardona listens in the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex in Washington, Oct. 17, 2022.
Susan Walsh/AP
“I’m also focused on going after fraudsters who call borrowers,” the president said. “If you…
