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Here's how to avoid getting fleeced by scammers as you seek out student loan relief.

Rae Hodge is a senior editor at CNET, leading its coverage of privacy and cybersecurity tools. She's a data-driven investigative journalist on the software and services team, reviewing VPNs, password managers, antivirus software, anti-surveillance methods and ethics in tech. Prior to joining CNET in 2019, Rae spent nearly a decade covering politics and protests for the AP, NPR, the BBC and other local and international outlets.

As President Joe Biden and the US Department of Education begin implementing a long-awaited student loan forgiveness program , many borrowers may be targeted by malicious actors with an agenda. Biden's relief program would extend the ongoing student loan payment freeze until Dec. 31, canceling up to $20,000 in federal student loan debts for Pell Grant recipients. Unfortunately, wherever there is a government relief program, there are almost always scammers seeking to exploit it. 

Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission began issuing more than $822,000 worth of checks to borrowers who lost money in a debt-relief scam from a group called Student Advocates. The FTC advised the nearly 15,000 check recipients to reach out to the FTC for verification if needed. 

"Consumers who receive checks should cash them within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about their refund should call the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 877-540-0989. The commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund," the FTC said in a release. To avoid falling prey to a new wave of scams likely to emerge in the wake of Biden's announcement, there are four red flags that the FTC says you should watch out for.  Read more: Scammers Are Using Google Ads to Target Students Seeking Loan Relief

Remember, any government programs that offer student loan debt relief through the Department of Education or FTC are always offered free of charge -- and no third-party company is distributing relief funds in partnership with them at this time. If someone claiming to be with your private student loan servicer contacts you, collect their name and contact number, then hang up and call your loan servicer directly to verify the caller's authenticity. 

Read more: How to Apply for $10K-$20K Student Loan Debt Forgiveness

If you've already fallen victim to a scammer, the FTC advises you to act quickly by reporting the fraud and following additional steps found in its guide. For more help avoiding scammers who target students, you can also check out the FTC's main Student Loan tip page.