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What can I do if someone else has submitted my FAFSA without my permission and is trying to fraudulently obtain my student aid?
Identity theft related to FAFSA fraud is a federal crime, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
If someone has submitted your FAFSA form without your knowledge or consent, it's essential to report the incident to the Federal Student Aid office immediately.
You can check the status of your FAFSA form by logging into your account on StudentAid.gov using your username and password.
To prevent FAFSA fraud, never share your Social Security number, date of birth, or other sensitive information with anyone.
Phishing scams targeting FAFSA applicants are common, so be cautious when providing personal information online and ensure you're on a secure website before entering sensitive data.
After submitting your FAFSA form, you'll receive an email confirming your form has been processed, and it takes about three days for the form to be processed and sent to the colleges selected.
If you suspect someone has fraudulently submitted your FAFSA form, contact the Federal Student Aid office and your school's financial aid office to inform them of the situation.
Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts for any suspicious activity if you're a victim of FAFSA fraud.
Keep your FSA ID and password secure, and never share them with anyone to prevent unauthorized access to your FAFSA account.
You can correct or change your FAFSA information by signing in to FAFSA.gov with your Federal Student Aid FSA ID and following the directions outlined.
It's essential to review your FAFSA confirmation page after submitting your form to ensure everything is accurate.
If you experience difficulties with the FAFSA form or suspect fraud, you can call the Federal Student Aid office at 1-800-433-3243 for assistance.
To prevent delays in processing your FAFSA form, ensure you and your parents (if required) have signed and submitted the form correctly.
FAFSA fraud can lead to financial aid being awarded to the wrong person, causing delays or even rejection of your financial aid application.
The Federal Student Aid office has a dedicated unit, the Office of Inspector General, which investigates and prevents FAFSA fraud and identity theft.
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