My D22, who is currently studying abroad, messaged me this morning that she got a notification that her FSA ID was locked. Neither she nor I tried to access the account.
Does that mean somebody else tried to access it and failed three times? Why else can it get locked?
First of all, tell her not to click any links in the email. She can go directly to the federal website to try to log in. If she can get into her FAFSA account, it was a phishing attempt. If she can’t get in, at least you know that the system worked & any attempts by someone else to access her account failed. She can try to recover her account: Federal Student Aid. I would err on the side of caution and make sure she’s on a secure network if she’s going to try to reset her account.
There are possibly other explanations, but I won’t speculate. The key is that her information is locked down to anyone not not operating within the federal systems.
There should be a mandatory high school course all 4 years about phishing scams — it’s a menace that kids and parents better be very careful about. It’s so easy to fall for them if not fully educated (with regular doses)
Hah. My employer had mandatory phishing training and people still fell for the scams. But yes, it really is important to train everyone about phishing. This problem is relatively new, but we all need to be on guard to the ever increasing attempts.
Exactly my point. A one time training doesn’t cut it. Besides quarterly training, my employer sends out simulated phishing emails almost every week to catch up off guard–has been going on for at least last 3 years. This has really helped being cautious about it as a second nature. This problem is real… the bigger issue is many folks are not even aware that they probably already have fallen for it.
AND it’s not new, but it’s getting dangerously sophisticated by the day.
I’m in my 60’s … it’s new by my definition! 
I’m nearing 50 and catching up on you fast… lol…
This is one issue which is affecting all generations pretty much equally. I don’t see newer generations–who are digitally native, being any better at spotting these scams.
My own teenage DD has fallen prey to it so many times… email from USPS holding up your delivery… Amazon account locked out… Great offer from Sephora, especially curated for you…
Dear Wifey had once compromised all the bank account details, and we had to literally close everything and renew.
thanks! She did not click on any links. I do think somebody tried to access it. I still have to file the 25-26 FAFSA, hopefully it’s not too much of a pain to get it unlocked
You should try logging in directly to the student aid.gov
If it doesn’t allows you to login or says that account is locked, you may try resetting the password, by clicking on Forgot My Password.
Worst case, you may need a call to FSA support.
Also, you all (student, and both parents), are supposed to have individual accounts, and do their own parts.
There are many things that could have caused it. It’s best to have your daughter reset her password. Once she’s back in, she can check for any recent activity.