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They Said Only Federal Loans Can Be Discharged for School Fraud. Some Private Loans Have a Defense Too.

by Steve Rhode

Federal Borrower Defense covers only federal loans. But some private student loan contracts carry a school-fraud defense under the FTC’s Holder Rule – here’s how to check yours.

They Said to Pay My Debt With Gift Cards. It’s the One Payment Demand Almost Every Impersonation Scam Has in Common.

by Steve Rhode

No real business, government agency, or debt collector accepts gift cards as payment. The FTC confirms: that request always means a scam.

They Said I Won a Government Grant. I Just Had to Pay a Fee First

by Steve Rhode

The government does not hand out personal grants for bills or debt — and never charges a fee to release one. Here is the FTC’s own warning, verified.

They Said I Have to Pay the Credit Repair Company First

by Steve Rhode

Told to pay a credit repair company before it helps you? Federal law bans advance fees — and you can dispute credit report errors yourself for free.

They Said I Have to Pay the Debt Settlement Company Before They Do Anything

by Steve Rhode

A debt settlement company telling you to pay a fee before they settle anything isn’t industry standard — it’s a federal violation. The FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule has banned advance fees since 2010.

They Said a Company Can Get Your Student Loans Forgiven Faster — For a Fee

by Steve Rhode

No company can get your federal student loans forgiven faster — applying is free at StudentAid.gov, and charging upfront fees is often illegal. Here’s the proof.

The FTC Settled With Alex Mashinsky for $10 Million — But None of That Goes to Former Celsius Customers. Here’s the Real Recovery Path (and the Scam to Avoid). (July 2026)

by Steve Rhode

The FTC settled with Alex Mashinsky for $10M — but none of that reaches former Celsius customers. Your real recovery runs through the bankruptcy estate. Here’s how.

The FTC Just Caught a Tenant-Screening Company Reporting Your Record Wrong — Here’s How to Pull the Report That Could Cost You an Apartment (July 2026)

by Steve Rhode

The FTC alleged RentGrow included duplicate eviction and criminal records in tenant-screening reports. Here’s how to pull and dispute your own file — a separate system from your credit report.

The FTC Just Mailed .7 Million to Handy Workers. Check Your Mail Before the Scammers Call.

by Steve Rhode

The FTC is mailing .7 million in refunds to 62,893 people who worked for Handy. Here’s who gets paid, the 90-day deadline, and how to spot the refund scams that always follow.

The Hopper Travel App Owes Refunds After a $35M FTC Settlement — What to Do (and What Not to Do Yet)

by Steve Rhode

The FTC says Hopper charged hidden fees and misled users. Money is coming back — but there’s a reason you shouldn’t rush to file a claim.

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Get Out of Debt Guy Podcast - Steve Rhode

Get Out of Debt Guy Podcasts

  • Credit Card Debt, Hospital Bills & the “Just Get a Loan” Trap
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  • Should Adult Kids Pay Rent—or Are You Sacrificing Your Retirement?

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