Fraud Watch Alert: Government Grant Scam Hits Facebook

How it works:

• You see posts from people on Facebook claiming they have been awarded tens of thousands of dollars in a grant from the federal government, and that you could be eligible, too.
• You call the listed phone number, give some personal information, and  are told you qualify—all you have to do is send a money order or provide your bank account information to cover processing fees.
• You never get the grant.

What you should know:

•  Government grant applications and information about them are free.
• The “Federal Grants Administration” – the agency the scammers say they work for – does not exist.
• If you didn’t apply for a federal government grant, there is no way you would receive one. If you’re offered a grant you know nothing about, it’s probably a scam.

What you should do: 

•  Never pay money for a “free” government grant.
• If you think you may be a victim of a government grant scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint or 1-877-382-4357.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network invites you to the a FREE Senior Fraud Conferences hosted by the Oklahoma Insurance Department.

JULY 26 – TAHLEQUAH

Go Ye Village

1201 W. 4th Street

Tahlequah, OK 74464

The conferences begin at 8:30 AM and a complimentary breakfast will be provided. Sign up today to learn how to protect yourself, friends and families from frauds and scams. TO REGISTER CALL 1-800-763-2828. Find out more about these events at aarp.org/OK.

To request a Fraud Watch Network presentation in your community, contact msourjohn@aarp.org.

If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud, contact the our state Attorney General’s office by visiting www.ok.gov/oag or calling 1-405-521-3921 or 1-918-581-2885.