MADISON - Wisconsin consumers are reporting a grant scam that uses Facebook Messenger to transmit phony pitches for free money. Messages look like they are coming from friends, but they are not. Show The messages state that the consumer's name appeared on a list as being eligible to receive grant money, and that the consumer will receive thousands of dollars in grant funds after paying a fee. The consumer is encouraged to contact a company via an email address or phone number that is provided. One Wisconsin consumer reported that a trusted friend (actually an imposter) reached out via Messenger to find out if she had received a payout from the "Department of Human Service Grant Program fund." The "friend" said that she was on the list of randomly selected names to receive money from the fund and that she was eligible for $50,000 in cash after paying a delivery and tax clearance fee. None of the consumers that reported this scam to DATCP have fallen victim. Tips to avoid grant scams include:
For additional information on grant scams, read DATCP's Government Grant Scams fact sheet below. Consumer Protection Fact Sheet - Government Grant Scams"Because you pay your income taxes on time, you have been awarded a free $12,500 government grant! To get your grant, simply give us your checking account information, and we will direct-deposit the grant into your bank account." Sometimes, it is an ad that claims you will qualify to receive a “free grant” to pay for education costs, home repairs, home business expenses, or unpaid bills. Other times, it is a phone call supposedly from a “government” agency or some other organization with an official sounding name. In either case, the claim is the same: your application for a grant is guaranteed to be accepted, and you will never have to pay the money back. But, grants offering “money for nothing” are usually scams, whether you see them in your local paper or a national magazine, or hear about them on the phone. Some scam artists advertise “free grants” in the classifieds, inviting readers to call a toll-free number for more information. Others are bolder: they call you out of the blue. They lie about where they are calling from, or they claim legitimacy using an official-sounding name like the “Federal Grants Administration.” They may ask you some basic questions to determine if you “qualify” to receive a grant. Calls and come-ons for free money invariably are rip offs. Grant scammers generally follow a script: they congratulate you on your eligibility, then ask for your checking account information so they can “deposit your grant directly into your account,” or cover a one-time “processing fee.” The caller may even reassure you that you can get a refund if you are not satisfied. In fact, you will never see the grant they promise; they will disappear with your money. Following a few basic rules can keep consumers from losing money to these “government grant” scams:
If you are thinking about applying for a grant, remember that the applications are available to you for free and that anyone who guarantees you a grant is likely to be interested in their own financial gain, not yours. Last Update: May 02, 2018 2:49 pm CDT Share This ArticleIs gradient Grant Community Outreach supports program?The Foundation
Gradient Gives Back Foundation is a Minnesota-based non-profit organization that supports the Gradient Gives Back Community Outreach Program and devotes its resources to assisting Americans.
What is the gradient community outreach support?A nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting communities by giving a hand up, instead of a handout, to deserving families in need.
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