Greg's Corner

Updates from October, 2023 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 3, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam ( 45 ), debt forgiveness ( 13 ), Scams ( 1,383 ), student debt ( 15 ), student loans ( 15 )   

  It’s time again for student debt relief scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  With all the politicizing that has happened around student debt relief in the past few years, it’s no wonder people are confused about the status of their student loans. This month, federal student loan payments are set to resume. With that, scammers have become reinvigorated to prey on the confusion of those with student loan debt and are out in full force to take financial advantage of those who were already struggling to make their loan payments.

  These scams typically involve deceptive tactics that promise swift and complete relief from student loan obligations, often with enticing offers of reduced or even eliminated debt. However, the perpetrators behind these schemes exploit the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding legitimate forgiveness options.

  Scammers often reach out to potential victims through phone calls, emails, or social media advertisements. They may claim to be from a government agency, a reputable loan servicing company, or a nonprofit organization specializing in debt relief. They’ll make enticing promises of immediate and complete student loan forgiveness, regardless of the borrower’s financial situation or eligibility.

  To access their supposed services, scammers require upfront fees or request personal financial information. Legitimate student loan forgiveness programs do not charge upfront fees, so this is a significant red flag. They may pose as loan servicers and request sensitive personal and financial information, such as Social Security numbers and bank account details. This information is then used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

  After collecting fees or personal information, the scammers disappear. Victims are left with the same or even more substantial student loan debt, often facing financial hardship due to the money they lost to the scam.

  Legitimate student loan forgiveness programs do not charge upfront fees. If someone requests money upfront before providing assistance, it is likely a scam. Avoid making payments or sharing personal information, especially your Federal Student Aid ID and login information.

  To find information about federal student loan forgiveness programs, visit the official U.S. Department of Education website or relevant government agency websites. These sites provide accurate and up-to-date information on legitimate programs, and also provide information about scams.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 2, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: refund scam ( 7 ), Scams ( 1,383 ), shut off scam ( 17 ), utility scam ( 31 )   

  New utility scam promises refund 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Normally, when someone hears about a utility company scam, they may think about the shut-off scam. This is when scammers call their victims posing as the local power, water, or heating company. The victim is told they’re behind payments on their account, and their service will be terminated in 15–30 minutes if they don’t make a payment over the phone. Scammers will typically demand payment in nontraditional methods that are difficult to trace, like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Now, there’s a utility scam that’s trying to fool victims with honey instead of vinegar, so to speak.

  Reports out of Upstate New York say scammers are now calling their victims, but instead of threatening them with a blackout, they’re promising them a payday. The victims are being told they overpaid their last bill and are now due a refund. But, as always, whatever payment amount the scammers are offering pales in comparison to the financial damage that could happen to victims. The scammers will tell their victims in order to receive the refund, the victim will need to provide their credit/debut card number or their checking account information. If a victim were to provide this information to a scammer, they could find their bank account depleted and their identity stolen.

  Most companies wouldn’t go out of their way to call a customer to let them know they have a refund due. In most cases, especially where utilities are concerned, if someone has overpaid their balance, the company won’t notify the customer until the next month’s statement goes out. Sometimes the credit will be applied to the next month’s balance, or will show up as a negative balance on the monthly bill.

  The same goes for the shut-off scam. If someone were to be behind on their account where they’re in danger of having their service terminated, they’ll be warned by mail first. That mailing will also contain the date when services are scheduled to be turned off.

  If you receive calls from someone claiming to be from your local utility, and they’re either threatening to shut-off service, or promising you a refund, hang up, and call your utility company at the number listed on the monthly statement.

  You may also want to routinely check your utility company’s website, as many of them will have warnings about local utility scams.