AG Tong warns against potential rise of student loan debt robocall scams

Attorney General William Tong is working with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission”™s (FCC) Robocall Response Team to warn consumers against the potential rise in student loan debt scam robocalls and robotexts.

The scam calls and texts may purport to offer some form of relief from student loan debt, either through a “student loan forgiveness center” or a “settlement” with the U.S. Department of Education. These scams may also fraudulently present seemingly legitimate caller ID information to convince consumers to respond.

“The Supreme Court decision in Biden v. Nebraska abruptly yanked thousands of dollars in anticipated aid from the hands of Connecticut families,” said Tong. “Given that terrible news, as well as the upcoming end in the pandemic pause on student loan repayments, many Connecticut families are understandably confused and concerned. Scammers are seeking to exploit this moment with a barrage of misleading robocalls and texts.”

Tong added that the “federal government will never pressure you for immediate payment over the phone or text message. If you receive a suspicious call, do not answer, do not respond, and report it to either my office or the FCC.”

Tong also warned consumers not to share any personal or financial information with these callers. Complaints against these callers can be filed with either the FCC or Tong”™s office.