Scammers target San Jacinto College students

San Jacinto College says the latest financial aid scam is aimed at its students.

The San Jacinto College financial aid office says its received reports that individuals claiming to work with the U.S. Education Department are contacting San Jacinto College students and requesting the students’ bank or credit card numbers, stating they need $249 to process the students’ scholarships and grants forms.

“We want to remind our students that there is no fee to receive information about financial assistance at San Jacinto College," said San Jacinto College financial aid services director Robert Merino in a press release. "It’s also important that students and parents remember that they should not to offer personal information, including any financial background information, to anyone making these claims."

A tip sheet regarding financial aid fraud is available at www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams.

Students and parents contacted by these fraudsters are asked to call 1-800-647-8733 or email oig.hotline@ed.gov.