RESIDENTS WARN OF SCAM OFFERING GOV’T GRANT MONEY

  

Some local residents have reported recently encountering a scam in which impersonators pretending to work for a government agency solicit personal information under the guise of offering grant money.

According to the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the scam usually involves someone pretending to be from an agency such as the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, telling the victim via phone call, email, social media or letter that they can receive “government grant money.”

The OIG says the scammers will attempt to appear legitimate by making claims about the victim’s eligibility for a government grant before asking for personal or financial information, such as a Social Security number or bank account number.  They may also ask for a check or wire transfer to cover a “processing fee.”

Anyone who receives contact from someone in this manner should not respond, and should call 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477) or local law enforcement.