The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has issued an urgent warning to university and college students ahead of the much-anticipated July 2025 disbursement.
In a statement released on Monday, HELB outlined three common scams that have recently surged, leaving many applicants frustrated and financially stranded.
The first trick involves fake social media pages and WhatsApp groups that promise faster loan processing at a fee.
HELB emphasized that they do not charge any money for loan applications or follow-ups. Students are advised to rely only on the official HELB portal.
The second scam targets students through SMS alerts claiming their loan has been delayed due to incorrect bank details. Victims are often tricked into sharing their personal information, which is later used for identity theft and fraud.
The third warning concerns impersonators who call students pretending to be HELB officials. These callers ask for login details or MPESA confirmation codes, claiming they need to "verify" the loan.
HELB urged students to report any suspicious activity and reminded them that all official communication comes from verified channels. As the July release approaches, students are advised to remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to these costly traps.
