Student loan marketers are really pushing the envelope these days — literally. By now, you’ve probably seen those official-looking envelopes in the mail, the ones marked “FINAL NOTICE” in red ink, urging you to “OPEN IMMEDIATELY”. Worse yet are those made to look like they’re coming from the U.S. government, with words like “Department of Student Loans” to make you think Uncle Sam is responsible for the content. At least one loan marketer even stamps the image of an eagle, that obvious national symbol, on its letters. Gets your attention, doesn’t it?

No matter how official they make it seem, don’t fall for the bald-eagle trick.

These solicitations are not from the president, and they’re not final payment notices. The goal of these deceptive tactics, in many cases, is to get you to consolidate your loans, which may not be the best decision these days. The good news is people are starting to take notice of this sketchy marketing tactic and criticize lenders that try to scare borrowers into responding. And while it hasn’t been done yet, lawsuits might be on the horizon.