Beware of student loan scams

If you're looking for some relief to help get out of student loan debt, watch out!  Scammers are hoping to lure you in. When President Barack Obama introduced the "Pay As You Earn" repayment plan, that has sparked scam emails and ads on Facebook. Financial experts warn, don't trust a deal that sounds too good to be true.

"You shouldn't have to pay for any advice as far as that goes because you can negotiate and talk with them to work out an agreement and a lot of those scams are promising things that aren't available to you," said Kansas State University financial counselor Jod Kaus.

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She adds, there are certain rules and regulations with regards to federal loans.

"There's really no way to get around those so if someone's making promises that they can, it's really unfair and not correct," she explained.

To see if a company or offer is legitimate, you can check with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau online at www.consumerfinance.gov or by calling the agency at (855) 411-2372. But experts say your best bet to avoid scams is to always go through your loan provider.

With the "Pay As You Earn" plan, your monthly student loan payment is based on your income and family size and that payment could increase or decrease if your income or family size changes from year to year.  Learn more from the U.S. Department of Education.