
Contents
Press Briefings

Dated 07.10.2023, Attorney General William Tong teamed up with the FCC’s Robocall Response Team to alert the public about a potential surge in deceptive robocalls and robotexts. The scam pertains to student loan debt, taking advantage of the recent Supreme Court ruling in Biden v. Nebraska.
This ruling has caused a buzz in the media since it is tied to the Department of Education’s loan forgiveness program. Scammers aim to leverage this situation to make their deceitful calls and texts appear legitimate and relevant. The typical method used here is to create urgency for the individual to either make a payment or disclose personal data.
Beyond the Supreme Court ruling, the impending termination of the pandemic-induced pause on student loan repayments further deepens the concerns and confusion, making the public easier targets for tricksters. According to Attorney General Tong, the best countermeasure is to avoid responding to dubious calls or messages, and to report any suspicious activity to his office or the FCC.
Fraudulent Student Debt Scams
The misleading calls and texts may claim to offer a form of relief from student loan debt, often appearing as coming from the “student loan forgiveness center” or a similar forgery. Sometimes, these will reference a “settlement” with the Department of Education, enticing recipients that they can absolve their student loan commitments. Interested parties should know that the FCC and lawyers are teaming up to tackle such fraudulent communications.
Spotting a Scam
You are likely being targeted if the communication:
– Pressures you to send money or share personal details.
– Asks for an upfront payment to process or appeal your application
– Directs you to a website other than StudentAid.gov.
– Asks you to use app-based messaging platforms for communication.
– Claims to be from a “student loan forgiveness center” or related entity.
– Uses a suspicious caller ID that doesn’t match the message content, or mimics your phone number.
– Asks for your Federal Student Aid ID, bank account number, or credit card data.
– Offers services in exchange for gift cards (like iTunes or Target cards).
– Requests cryptocurrency or peer-to-peer apps for payments.
Action Steps
Upon receiving a suspected scam call or text, follow these steps:
– Refrain from sharing any personal or financial data.
– If in doubt, hang up and call the institution using their official number.
– Report the incident to the FCC: [here](https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov) or to the Office of the Attorney General: [here](https://www.dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint/).
Follow us: Twitter: [@AGWilliamTong](https://twitter.com/AGWilliamTong) and Facebook: [CT Attorney General](https://www.facebook.com/CTAttorneyGeneral/)
For Media Contact, reach out to Elizabeth Benton at elizabeth.benton@ct.gov
For Consumer Inquiries, contact us at 860-808-5318 or attorney.general@ct.gov
#### FAQ:
1. What is the recent surge in student loan debt scam robocalls and robotexts about?
Answer: The surge in scam calls and texts pertains to student loan debt. Scammers are leveraging the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Department of Education’s student loan program to make their scam appear legitimate and relevant.
2. How can I spot a possible scam?
Answer: You can identify a potential scam if the communication pressures you to send money or disclose personal information, requests upfront payment for your application, directs you to a suspicious website, uses odd caller ID details, or requests payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency.
3. What action should I take if I suspect a scam?
Answer: If you suspect a scam, do not reveal any personal or financial data. Hang up and contact the institution using their official number. Report the incident to the FCC or to the Office of the Attorney General.