The Latest Scams Circulating the Consumer World. Be warned. Be informed.
MARCH 2005
Government Grant Scams
Have you received spam e-mail spams with government offers to start or revitalize your own business or perhaps pay off your household bills? Read an example of an e-mail you could receive from a spammer:
Dear Friend,
We are excited to present to you the Hot Opportunity of The Week. The information could change your life...please check it out... You will not be disappointed!
Thousands of people receive Free Government Grants and Money every day. So can you!
Does this offer seem too-good-to-be-true? As wonderful as it would be to have the government just give money away to lucky e-mail recipients, this "hot opportunity" is anything but €œhot€. "Free money" scams have been around for many years and continue to deceive people. Consumers should be aware that governments and other organizations that provide grants do not simply give money away to people for personal needs such as bills. Anyone who tells you differently is trying to steal your money.
Play it Safe
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Don't respond to the e-mails offering free grants from the government offering to pay for small businesses or household bills.
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Don't give out your checking account number.
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If you believe you've received a government grant scam e-mail and wish to file a complaint, call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP.
The Fraud of the Month is provided by the Washington Attorney General's Office,Consumer Protection Division.
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