Scam Watch

[Global Paw]

Ahh...the perils of today's fast world. You see, I just got off the phone with "The Government". Apparently, I've been approved for $8,000 to $25,000 in grant money to put where I choose. Now, "The Government" said that I can use the grant money for school, a business...anything, as long as I don't gamble with it.

In the back of my head, I'm saying...no way, no way, this is a scam, I can feel it.

Yet, I decided to play along for the time being. I asked questions, she answered calmly, and sounded well-informed. She then asked for the name of my bank and routing number, to "Conform my identity".

I asked for her manager.

The manager came on...and said almost the same thing as the woman had...almost to the word. To me, it was clearly a script they were reading off of. And, the manager added that there would be a $239 set-up fee for that paperwork that would be simply deducated from the grant...

I hung up...and I'll tell what was going on in my head during all of this...

1) I'm 17 years old...no way the government would give a 17 year old money.

2) I didn't apply for a grant...

3) They don't need my checking account information to mail me a check.

4) It's 10:20am on a Saturday morning...the government doesn't work that hard.

These people claimed to be based in Florida...here is what I found after hanging up:

A company called Consumer Grants USA calls older adults on the telephone to offer them a government grant for a fee of $239. The grants are said to range from $8,000 to $25,000. Callers are told they qualify for the grant because they are seniors. The company also requests the consumer's bank account information in order to deduct the fee. Although the fee is withdrawn, the victim never receives the grant.

In the past, the Florida-based company has operated under the names Ultimate Funding, Government Grant USA and the Federal Government Information Center.

And, because I was quick, I got the phone number: 678-298-2212

heh, I'm looking up the numbers for the local police, and Florida police now.

[DaxAriel's toy]

Go get 'em.... I hate scam artists.

[Global Paw]

I hate them too...slimy people too "good" for a real job..

[Lil'Paws]

You go.. **** your good..

[Pugdawg1]

Woohoo Michael. More power to ya.

[Rip's Girl]

I hate those scams..

[stardust]

congrats on not falling for it!!!

[Little Paws]

good for you how can these people who do this to inocent people sleep at night knowing they are hurting people like that ahhhhhhh