California-based companies allegedly scammed student borrowers seeking debt relief.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against those who offered student borrowers fraudulent debt relief. According to the FTC, these scammers impersonated the U.S. Department of Education, made deceptive promises regarding loan forgiveness, and falsely claimed to be part of the “Biden Loan Forgiveness” plan, all in an effort to entice students and collect millions in unlawful upfront fees.
The complaint stated that these California-based companies, Express Enrollment LLC (also known as SLFD Processing) and Intercontinental Solutions LLC (also known as Apex Doc Processing LLC) led by Marco Manzi, Ivan Esquivel, and Robert Kissinger, allegedly gathered around $8.8 million in illegal fees since at least 2019, offering services that did not deliver what was promised.
“During a period of uncertainty for borrowers saddled with student loan debt, these defendants bilked consumers out of millions of dollars with junk fees and phony promises of loan forgiveness and lower monthly payments…” said FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Samuel Levine.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Director Levine as he oversees the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
- For Chair Lina Khan and members of the FTC as she seeks to hold companies accountable for fraudulent activities.
- For student borrowers to be discerning as they seek debt relief.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission
