Authorities are warning of potential scams as millions seek student debt relief.

This week, President Joe Biden and his administration announced the launch of a government supported student loan forgiveness program. More than 8 million individuals have already applied. Federal officials are concerned when there is a lot of excitement.

According to Spencer Evans of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Las Vegas office, consumers should be on the watch for potential scams.

“Anytime there’s a big government program that infuses money into the public, there is going to be a group of fraudsters that are going to target individuals by setting up scam websites that look like you’re applying for student loan relief,” said Evans. “In reality, you’re providing information for a scammer that is going to take it for identity theft, or they’re going to ask you to pay for a certain fee to register.”

Evans categorically stated that the federal government will not make you pay to register. The easiest approach to protect yourself is to only give your personal information on “.gov” websites.

The FBI also encourages individuals to report fake student loan websites by dialing 1-800-CALL FBI or visiting ic3.gov.

Credits: 3News

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