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BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey says her office wants to do more for students and families who face mountains of student loan debt.
Healey on Tuesday announced the creation of a student loan assistance unit to help borrowers who have fallen behind on loans or face default.
The attorney general also announced that her office was cracking down on what she called predatory student debt relief companies. She said the firms often mislead borrowers about their ability to lower monthly payments and charge exorbitant fees for the services that are often available at no cost.
Healey said companies have agreed to stop doing business in Massachusetts.
IrvineWebWorks, also known as Student Loan Processsing.US, agreed to pay a $56,000 penalty and Interactiv Education, also known as Direct Student Aid, agreed to a $40,000 penalty.
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Online: http://www.mass.gov/ago/consumer-resources/consumer-information/schools-and-education/student-loans
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