KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — At the end of August, the payment pause for federal student loans is about to expire. Shortly after the pandemic began two years ago, loan payments were put on hold.
In Tennessee, graduates know all about student loans. Over 50% of Tennessee graduates in the class of 2020 took out student loans to pay for school, with an average debt of nearly $27,000. This has led many to try and take advantage of those trying to get out of debt.
WATE’s Don Dare recently received an unsolicited call on his office phone at Greystone.
“Hello, this is a message from the Student Loan Forgiveness Center of Tennessee. As you may know, the forbearance period ends soon as payments may begin to resume,” said the voice on the phone.
Dare used the GI Bill to cover the costs of his degree at the University of Georgia. Therefore receiving a call from the Student Loan Forgiveness Center of Tennessee was surprising.
“The reason we are calling is because your student loan is eligible for a forgiveness program. We need your authorization to complete the process. Please call our office located in Tennessee at 423… BEEP,” the call continued.
Dare took the recording to Tony Binkley at the Better Business Bureau of Greater East Tennessee. He called that local 423 number, supposedly located in Tennessee.
“One of the questions I did ask during our…
