Warning about Fake Federal Government Scams
Posted/updated on: November 21, 2014 at 6:10 pm
TYLER — Think it’s your lucky day when you get a “government” call saying you’ve been chosen for a grant? After receiving numerous calls this week, BBB Serving Central East Texas is warning consumers about a scam in which someone claiming to be “the government” calls and says you won a grant … if you send them money.
Consumers are getting phone calls telling them they received a grant from the government, and they may spend the funds however they want. But in order to get the grant, the caller asks you to buy a Green Dot MoneyPak card and load it with money. They request the numbers off the back of the card, and then they take your money. Consumers don’t get any grant money, and they lose their own money in the process.
“Consumers should always be cautious of unsolicited phone calls where the caller states you have won money,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “Without doing your homework, could end up losing money instead.
BBB encourages consumers to sign up for the Texas Do Not Call List by calling 1-866-896-6225 or by going to http://www.texasnocall.com. Also, be cautious when using a Green Dot MoneyPak other reloadable card. Once you give the number out, there is no way of tracking who has the money. BBB encourages not wiring money to individuals you don’t know.
BBB provides the following additional tips for dealing with this scam:
*Government grants have to be applied for in order to receive. If you didn’t apply for the grant, you won’t receive one either.
*The government doesn’t call you to contact you for such matters. You will not receive information about government grants through a phone call.
*If you get one of these calls, just hang up. You may be tempted to call back, but this will only give the scammer another opportunity to steal your information.
For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org to report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, call the BBB Hotline: 903-581-8373.
