ShooFlyStudent Loan Forgiveness Text Scam
A text says you qualify for student loan forgiveness but the application expires today. Real programs are free and never first-come by text: it's after a fee and your FSA ID.
What It Looks Like
Final notice: you qualify for student loan forgiveness. Your application expires today. Apply now: [link removed]
The wording, amounts and company change, but the pattern stays the same.
How to Tell It's Fake
- Loan forgiveness is never first-come, first-served by text.
- Only use studentaid.gov, typed in yourself.
- No real program charges a fee to apply.
How to Check for Real
Only use studentaid.gov, typed in yourself, or call your loan servicer. Never use the link or phone number in the message.
If You Already Tapped or Paid
- Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's free, and stops anyone opening accounts in your name.
- Report it at IdentityTheft.gov, which gives you a recovery plan.
- If you gave your Social Security number, get an IRS Identity Protection PIN at irs.gov to block tax fraud.
Acting in the first hour gives you the best chance of stopping charges.
Report It
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). It goes to your phone carrier, who uses it to block the sender.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Then delete it, and block the number.
Not Sure About a Text?
ShooFly checks any text, letter, link or caller in seconds, right on your phone, and tells you what to do next. It also sends scam texts like this one to Junk before you see them. Free.