Identity thieves take out two student loans in Junction City retiree's name

Identity theft is causing significant financial harm to older Americans, with losses exceeding $48 million in one year, according to the 2025 FBI Internet Crime Report, as reported by kval.com and kpic.com.

Nancy Plemons, a 71-year-old retired educator from Junction City, Oregon, discovered that two student loans were fraudulently taken out in her name, totaling nearly $5,000, which dropped her credit score by over 100 points and caused her considerable distress, according to both outlets.

Plemons reported that Strayer University, based in Virginia, would not provide details about the classes linked to the loans despite confirming her identity. She said the university only closed the account after she informed them she had contacted the media, with no apology offered for the prolonged ordeal.

EdFinancial, the loan servicer, continues to hold Plemons responsible for the loans. Neither Strayer University nor EdFinancial responded to requests for comment, according to the reports.

Lane Thompson, Oregon’s student loan ombudsman, advised that federal borrowers who fall victim to fraud can apply to have fraudulent loans discharged, as noted by kval.com and kpic.com.