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It’s a staggering number. More than 42 million Americans owe a total of nearly $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. It’s no wonder people look for help. But not all help is legit. Scammers are targeting borrowers with student loan debt relief schemes that can actually make things worse.

In a new case announced today, the FTC alleges the operators of Mission Hills Federal and Federal Direct Group bilked borrowers out of more than $23 million. The FTC says these companies lured people with false promises to pay down student loans and lower monthly payments. According to the FTC, the companies also lied about taking over the servicing of the loans, which tricked people into submitting loan payments directly to them. In fact, the defendants diverted borrower payments to themselves.

What’s more, many of these borrowers went months, sometimes years, before learning their student loans weren’t being repaid. Why? The FTC says the defendants made people give their federal student aid IDs, or other personal information, to enroll in the debt relief program. They used that information to change borrowers’ contact information on U.S. Department of Education websites, which limited the borrowers’ contact with their federal loan servicers.

If you or someone you know feels overwhelmed by student loan debt, know this: There’s nothing a company can do for you that you can’t do yourself for free. If you have federal student loans, start with StudentAid.gov/repay. If you have private loans, talk with your loan servicer. For more information, check out ftc.gov/StudentLoans.

Here are a few tips to help avoid debt relief scams.

Student Loand Debt? Call Now

Spotted a scam? Let us know about it at ftc.gov/complaint.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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PiledHigherAndDeeper
October 18, 2019
I got a call from 203-810-1627, spoofed number from my old area code. "Andrea" was "calling back about my student loan that I asked for help with". Loud forceful voice; sounded like a recording. I said truthfully "I don't have a student loan. I had scholarships!" Click. I am nervous about why my number or name would have ended up on their list. I attended 2 universities without any loans and got my final degree in 1992.
Jewel
October 24, 2019
My mom is being harassed by these. She's in her 70's, never had a student loan but is getting the calls over and over. On the message each caller gives a different name and number but is otherwise verbatim. "I'm with the Student Loan Advisory Board...federal student loan forgiveness plan..." Searching online shows she's not the only one being hounded by these. Monica 877-333-9970 Emily 866-680-1070 Jessica 866-380-4020 Mary 877-262-3012 Those were the ones I personally heard on her machine. How to make them stop? My mom can't recall details (exact time, first call, etc.) And it's not all coming from one number for rejection. Both of these seem to be required to report on ftc.gov/complaints or whatever the site was.
Kim
November 16, 2019

In reply to by Jewel

I am also getting calls from the Student Advisory Board. Molly 619-473-2199 from Pine Valley, CA
Liz
November 18, 2019

In reply to by Jewel

I am getting these almost daily. They were not shut down, apparently, but I almost did call them back because the loan servicers (Navient) are useless and are trying to make me pay $800.00 a month on a payment plan which is only possible if I move out of my place and live on the street and never eat again! These people need to be prosecuted... all of them.
Fraud victim
October 25, 2019
I truly appreciate you contacting me via e-mail to let me know this was going on. Now I just hope I can get my money back from these thieves!
GdeMiranda
October 25, 2019
Because of the time during which I matriculated, I have no student loans. I paid for my graduate school and had scholarships and family help for my undergraduate. I have been PLAGUED with calls from the student loan forgiveness center. I have blocked them repeatedly. I know that supposedly communicating with them that I no longer want to receive calls and getting on the FTC "do not call" list is supposed to entitle me to get $500 for subsequent calls, but the legislation does not explain how. Perhaps a website where people like me can file complaints after getting on the do not call list and informing these merchants that we do not want their calls? I would be delighted to give the government a percentage of my $500 because I get so many calls that we would both be benefitted.
GeeLee
October 26, 2019
Just received three calls, all from a 'Student Loan Advisory Board' about loan forgiveness 'plan'. Numbers from Linda at 866-366-2616, Tracy (who sounded a lot like Linda) at 866-566-3660,and 866-606-3236 (didn't state a name).
NoStudentLoan Scam
October 28, 2019
They are at it again! 9493962104, Caller left message identifying himself as Jason Hunter. I called back to get a bit of information/answers like a loan number, where they got my phone number, etc.. Hung up on me 4 times, as well as 4 times when they recognized my number - so I used a different phone, lol. The number comes back as California with initial use/complains in Sept & Oct a huge spike.
boricua19
February 21, 2020
Receive robo calla from 888-242-9942 promise to eliminate 90% of debt
Fraud Victim
October 30, 2019
Is there any updates to this case? I'd like to know if we are able to recoup money taken from me and not applied as instructed. Is there a civil case? I'd like to join in the civil case if there is one.
FTC Staff
February 21, 2020

In reply to by Feryal48

You can report that to the FTC at www.FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give goes into a secure database that the FTC uses for investigations.

Moses
October 31, 2019
I've received 92 calls over the last 13 months from various individuals offering a student loan reduction. I've NEVER had any student loans and I graduated from college over 45 years ago! I ask them how they obtained my number and their reply is "you have a student loan ID number that appears on our registry". Ask them to provide the details; name, address, amount owned, what institution, etc. associated to the ID number and they say that have no name nor details, just the phone number and ID associated to loan...which they say they can't reveal the ID until I provide details. Really? How then do they know whom to call. Major SCAM and the calls are getting utterly ridiculous. Other than blocking the number what can be done to shut all these people down?
RAIN2369
November 01, 2019
I don't have student loans ive never been to college and I get multiple calls a day from student loan forgiveness center from multiple different numbers sometimes they call me 5 times in 20mins this is ridiculous
Teri
November 07, 2019
I have been called 7 times from different people from student loan advisory boards same message worded exactly the same. All calls are from different states. I don’t have any loans and never have had any! I have asked to be put on do not call list. I am disgusted with these people taking advantage of others to benefit themselves. I hope FTC will put a stop to it.
eric62265
February 21, 2020
I get calls from Emily at the student loan forgiveness center weekly. Every time its a different number. It is annoying and pathetic. I am 54 years old, live alone and disabled. I have blocked every number and also did the do not call registry. Non stop harassment.
jellybean55
November 16, 2019
Have received frequent calls from "Student Loan Advisory Board" regarding "delinquent" loans. My one and only loan was paid in 1975, and I still have the documentation. Callback number is 1.877.789.0271. I made contact with a male voice who refused to give his name. Of course, he wanted my Social Security number, which I refused to give. Informed him that I would file a complaint with the FTC and the Do Not Call Registry, which I did. But the calls continue; the most recent one on 11/12/2019.
Carol
November 16, 2019
I constantly get calls from "Student Loan Advisory Board". It's been years! So sick of it! Block block block but they keep calling using different numbers. Souless people!
Sws
December 04, 2019
Yes, great. But I’m still getting calls about a student loan that I don’t have.
Mari
December 10, 2019
I just got one of these calls yesterday. Called back because my loans are being recertified for my income and thought it was about that. They got me to give them the secure code from an email sent me, to change password. He said it was so that they could re-open since I hadn't logged in, in a very long time. Took a lot of information and told me I would qualify for debt forgiveness. After talking to him, I went to fsaid.ed.gov and saw the warnings about these scams... changed my password again, so glad I found out about this before paying any money!
Dori
December 12, 2019
I keep receiving calls and text regarding my parent loan for my daughter. She hasn't even graduated yet. They do not even leave a company name just a persons name and agent number (second red flag). they call from several numbers 855-916-2236 and 989-656-9915. These vultures need to be stopped. It is hard enough to keep up with student loans that are large, high interest and just keep building.
Lookslikeu812
December 12, 2019
Just recieved a call from these scamners under the name "Student Loan Advisory Board"! Why are they not shut down? These guys are clearly predatory and have no regards for the laws of this country.
cookinaunt
February 21, 2020
This is good news, however Emily with student loan forgiveness still keeps calling me numerous times a day, different numbers each time. I continue to block each number but that doesn't help. I've even pressed the button to be taking off their list to no avail... I have never had any type of student loan.
Fed Up
December 18, 2019
If this scam has been shut down, why do I keep getting the calls?
please Stop
January 14, 2020

In reply to by Fed Up

I’ve been getting 2-4 call every day. This scam is not shut down all the way yet
I already paid…
December 19, 2019
I just received a message today!! It’s still happening!
K Murdock
December 20, 2019
Got a call from the Student Loan Advisory Board today about student loan forgiveness. Such a waste of time on the phone with them.
MJ
January 05, 2020
They called me today! Heather was the name and this is the number to call 866-316-0136 - PLEASE SHUT THEM DOWN! Bb
Feryal48
January 06, 2020
Any updates with this case? Can someone please call from the FTC? What are the potential outcomes of this case?
Mighty38
January 10, 2020
I keep receiving calls that I can get my loans forgiven. The caller says his name is Greg Braden. I blocked two phone numbers so far. 8168753285 and 7135264243
Marcus
January 16, 2020
TANGENT SOLUTIONS JUST CALLED ME THIS MORNING TRYING TO SCAM ME
Gods child
January 19, 2020
2020 and im still recording these calls after blocking several numbers over the past year. 8662112238, 7242067348 student loan advisory board
Desmond94
January 21, 2020
I spent hundreds of dollars with this company. When will we start getting our refunds back?
morgrennacki
January 29, 2020
Megan "student loan advisory board" called to forgive my student loans - but HURRY you have to call back before the pre-qualification expires. 866-211-2238. *eye roll*
Liz
January 29, 2020
Receiving calls frequently stating that I am pre-qualified for student forgiveness program and my loans are not even in repayment yet. Several people from this phone number but will not say a company name. 877-306-6045.
NotHappening
January 31, 2020
Call came in from 714-487-0011 Says it's Megan from Student Loan Advisory Board, saying I have pre-qualified for a student loan forgiveness program on federal student loans. But says they need to speak with me first. Gives call back number as 877-830-0343, and say I have to call before the programs "expire". Yeah...NO. My loans were discharged in the Everest College class action. Nice try, losers.
tiredofscams
August 18, 2020

In reply to by NotHappening

Received the same message from 'Megan' today - number left behind: 866-352-4269
Steadman.Blake
March 02, 2020
Please be aware of this Number (855) 916 2236 These people claim to be student loan forgiveness agency. I have their voice mail saved on my phone. They kept on calling me! They a scheme. What do I do to give the voice mail I have a my phone to FTC? I block them, but they keep on calling. What should I do?
FTC Staff
March 02, 2020

In reply to by Steadman.Blake

You can report that to the FTC at www.FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give goes into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations.

stl314
February 13, 2020
Got this call today. My student loan payments are deferred because I’m currently unemployed. “Hello this is Greg Brady I'm calling to _⁠_⁠_ _⁠_ _⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_ _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ hey _ could you give me a call back when you get this message I'm actually calling regarding your student _⁠_ your federal student loan balances and I do have some great news that you have been prequalified for these deal not forgiveness program however it is and _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_⁠_ we speak before the programs change you can reach me back at 877804128 again that number is 877-880-4128 _⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_ you and you get a great day…”
C123
February 16, 2020

In reply to by stl314

I received the same exact voicemail, word for word. Says he's from the Student Loan Advisory Board. Same name and same number on the 13th.
ada453
February 17, 2020

In reply to by stl314

I just received a voicemail from the same person, Greg, with the same call back telephone number, 877-880-4128.
deberlin88
February 17, 2020

In reply to by stl314

That is the same voicemail that I just got! I'm so glad that I'm skeptical & decided to Google the number before calling it back.
vlccs82
February 17, 2020

In reply to by stl314

I got the same message, this is all a scam right ?
GNess
February 17, 2020

In reply to by stl314

I received the exact message. It sounds so convincing! I think it's a total scam!
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