**Consumer Alert** CFO Jimmy Patronis: Beware of Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
6/23/2022
**Consumer Alert**
CFO Jimmy Patronis: Beware of Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
TALLAHASSE, Fla.—Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is warning Floridians of scam artists taking advantage of the federal student loan repayment pause issued by the U.S. Department of Education. The federal student loan repayment program was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has since been extended until August 31, 2022. Scammers have been using these extensions to contact loan borrowers and promising them total loan forgiveness or offering forgiveness programs for which they do not qualify.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “As our national economy continues to squeeze the pockets of Floridians, scammers are seizing the opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting borrowers; many of whom are desperate for relief. These bad actors prey on innocent people by promising them total loan forgiveness if they provide access to their account information. These unforgiving tactics only allow fraudsters to steal your identity and wreak havoc on your personal finances. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it is! For all those with outstanding student loan debt, stay on guard for similar fraudulent activities and only use federal loan forgiveness plans provided by the U.S. Department of Education. As always, if you are suspicious of fraudulent activity, report it at FraudFreeFlorida.com.”
• Don’t share your FSA ID. Some scammers claim they need your FSA ID to help you, but don’t share your FSA ID with anyone. Dishonest people could use that information to get into your account and steal your identity.
• You don’t need to pay for help. There’s nothing a company can do that you can’t do for yourself — for free. If you have questions about your loans, or how you’ll repay them after the pause ends in August, contact your loan servicer.
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About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).
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