Government
Government Grant Scam
You're told you qualify for a free government grant but must pay a fee to receive it.
How it works
A call, message, or social media post says you've been chosen for a free government grant of several thousand dollars that you never have to pay back. To release it, you must first pay a processing or delivery fee, or share your bank details so they can deposit it. There is no grant. The government does not charge a fee to give you a grant, and it does not award grants you never applied for.
Warning signs
- Says you won a free grant you never applied for
- Must pay a fee to receive free money
- Asks for your bank account or card details
- Contacts you on social media from a friend's hacked account
- Promises money that never has to be repaid
- Uses official-sounding names and agencies
The newer AI trick
AI can create official-looking approval notices and impersonate real agencies in polished messages.
What to do
- Do not pay any fee to receive a grant.
- Do not share your bank account or card details.
- Remember: real government grants are applied for, not won by surprise.
- Check grants only at grants.gov.
If they are still on the line: Do not pay a fee or share banking details. Hang up. The government does not charge you to give you a grant.
How to report it
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357. For elder-specific help, call the DOJ Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.