OSAP Scams – Exactly What You Need to Know

Scams find us in nearly every facet of our lives now, and the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is no exception.

We need to be wary in any circumstance when we’re asked to reveal personal information, or for upfront fees and instant credit card payments, or when promises that seem too good to be true are made, like quick money and easy loans repayments – because they usually (almost always) are too good to be true!

As students you can be easier targets because you’re so excited about the prospects of your future and want to believe in the possibilities. This does make you vulnerable, but with a little information you can protect yourself quite easily and get right back to the excitement you feel about your potential and the career and life you’re building for yourself.

What You Need to Know and Consider About OSAP/Student Loan Scams

Scams to Watch Out For:

• Grant and Scholarship Scams – Those claiming they can help you get grants and scholarships, if you pay them a fee upfront.
• Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Scams – Offering to forgive your student loan debt or help with repayment. But the tip off to this being a scam is that they’ll ask you for personal information and money upfront.
• Tuition Payment Scams – They may claim to offer tuition payment reductions or support that seem too easy, unrealistic. Trust your instincts.
• Phishing Scams – Those emails that come in that look so official, with a an OSAP or National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) logo. Again, they’ll ask for personal information or financial information and have links to click.

Remember: Legitimate organizations will NEVER ask for personal/financial details via email.

Signs of a Scam:

• Requesting Personal Information – Never share bank details, your SIN number or other sensitive details unless you called that source and are certain they are legitimate.
• Demanding Immediate Payment or Upfront Fees – You won’t be pressured for immediate payment by anyone who is legitimate. Any solid organization will absolutely understand if you say you want to check the legitimacy of the company and wait to pay. Upfront fees are rarely required for services, and this is a major red flag.
• Unsolicited Contact – OSAP professionals who reach out to you, you should vet. If they’re offering help with student loans or OSAP, verify their identity first. Contact OSAP directly from the number/contact you look up. If they’re honest, they’ll encourage that.
• Strange Payment Requests – Gift cards, cryptocurrency requests are a warning sign that someone is looking for a quick, untraceable method of payment.
• Anger or Threats – If someone is rude, threatening or displays anger, they are trying to use emotion and fear to make you do something you otherwise may not. See it for what it is and just calmly hang up. Then you can call back the legitimate number and let them know about what happened.
• Unrealistic Promises or Results – Someone promising you large amounts of money or loan forgiveness with minimal effort from you may sound nice, but it’s not realistic; it’s a scam.
• Urgency and Pressure – Sure fire signs of a scam. The idea is to use high-pressure tactics and fear to make you act quickly, without thinking, without researching. Learn to, always, pause and do your research before jumping into anything, offering up information or giving any details that can lead to them gaining personal access to you.

Protect Yourself

• Make it a Rule to Never Share Sensitive Information unless you are certain of the source.
• Take Time to Verify the Source. Be sure of the legitimacy of the person and the organization before you offer up any detailed or personal information.
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Opportunities, whether coming to you by phone, email or messages. Contact the OSAP or student loan office yourself and let them know about the contact made.
• Never Open Suspicion Links. In this day and age, companies know that people are wary of clicking links when it comes to communications from unknown parties. So don’t click, check first.
• Use Secure Websites Only. Be sure to check that you’re on a secure website (HTTPS), whenever you’re accessing online services.
• Check for the Secure Symbol. There is a closed padlock or unbroken key icon at the bottom right corner of your browser window if the site is secure. But again, you can always just contact the organization directly.
• When in Any Doubt Contact the NSLSC Directly. If you have any questions, there is no harm in waiting to make any decision. Reach out to the NSLSC directly through their official website or phone number to find out about your OSAP or student loan.
• Report All Suspicious Activity. Not only will this keep you informed of scams that are currently happening, but you will help the authorities to understand who is currently being targeted.

Scams are upsetting, they can make us feel uncertain and wary to trust. But if you protect yourself, consider these types of situations that you could encounter as a student and always check your source and keep private information private, then you can avoid the pitfalls.

With this powerful information and by creating habits around source checking and self-protection, we can get right back to the joys of exploring our career futures and the student loans that make study possible for so many of us.
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For more information regarding student loans, here’s the direct link to https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program.

At Anderson College we are committed to your safety and ensuring that you have the support you need to succeed. If you are looking to start a program to take your career to new levels, you can explore our 30+ leading-edge programs or call to book an appointment with one of our Admissions Advisors.

If you are enrolled at Anderson and are contacted by anyone suspicious regarding your student loans or OSAP, we’re here to help. Please email your own Admissions Advisor directly or call us at 1-833-787-1885.