Watch out for Government Grant Telephone Scam

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning people to be on the look out for phone calls from people claiming to represent a government agency or some other organization with an official sounding name. The callers generally claim you qualify for some sort of grant and then ask for your bank information.

An example would be: “Because you pay your income taxes on time, you have been awarded a $12,500 government grant! To get your free grant, simply give us your checking account information, and we will deposit the grant into your bank account!”

The FTC gives these tips:

1. don’t pay money for a “free” government grant,

2. check the correct names of governmental agencies,

3. take your time and don’t feel rushed, and

4. keep your bank information to yourself.