Student Loan Forgiveness Scam Spreads in Indiana

(WXIN) — this “Liz” is not your friend. Delete her voicemail.

FOX59 in Indianapolis has encountered a new kind of robocall scam. News Director CJ Hoyt received a voicemail on his cell phone.

“This is Liz, a student advisor. I’m calling about a student loan. I am prequalified here for an updated forgiveness program and possibly loan forgiveness. It looks like your status is about to expire, so it’s imperative that you confirm your details as soon as possible. “

Quite an offer. I have only one problem. Hoyt has no outstanding college loans.

But “Liz” left her a number to call back…and we did.

Steve Brown: “I got a voicemail message from Liz. Is she available?

male voice: “She’s in the marketing department. Any questions about the program?”

Steve Brown: “And who are you?”

male voice: “We are Enterprise Financial.”

Steve Brown: “Do I have to go through you to do this?”

male voice: “I can help you enroll in the program.”

Steve Brown: “Is this free?”

male voice: “Some programs require a fee.”

We had already checked the U.S. Department of Education website. It emphasizes and warns: Your loan servicer will help you for free. “

When I pointed this information at the male voice, he hung up.

Jennifer Adamany of the Indianapolis Better Business Bureau said, “This should cost you nothing to get your loan forgiven.

Adamany pointed out that the original voicemail from “Liz” contained red flags.

“Always, always, always be on the lookout for unsolicited communications, whether it’s an email, a text, or a phone call,” explains Adamany.

Other signs that someone is trying to trick you include general sales pitches and offers from unfamiliar people or businesses. to encourage them to act quickly before “time is up.”

Adamany says:

Formal applications for federal student loan forgiveness are made through the U.S. Department of Education. It will open in October. Applicants are encouraged to complete the application process by November 15th.