Well Guys I got the same call from the 202-436-9770 #. I too was applying for grants when I received this call, I was told I was to receive 7,500 in my bank if I put 300.00 on a Green Dot Money Pak Card. I was told this money was to verify my id for the transfer. They took the money off the card, Which they told me they wouldn't do, then told me there was an issue with the money needing to be taxed, they asked me for another 650.00,which they said would be refunded, by this time I quit. I told them to cancel this and give me back my 300.00 and they said they couldn't it was a deposit.. That was my whole paycheck!! I lost all my money to these crooks and they keep calling me for the remainder 650.00 supposively for to tax the 1500.00 I am to receive.
You never have to pay money to get money! Grants - private or government - do NOT require you to pay money. So sorry you were scammed this way.
As per the Federal Grants website at http://www.grants.gov
YOU WILL NOT BE CONTACTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO OFFER YOU A GRANT.
The government does not contact people to offer them money. If you do qualify for a government grant, the government does not request payment for it.
THERE ARE NO FEES ASSOCIATED WITH APPLYING FOR A GOVERNMENT GRANT.
Providing financial information to prove that you qualify for a government grant is typical, but you should never pay money to apply for a grant. People who run scams often claim to provide help and sometimes claim to be "federal government" officials, don't be fooled by these scams that request money from you.
ALL GOVERNMENT GRANTS INVOLVE AN APPLICATION PROCESS
If you have not submitted an application for a government grant and someone claims you have been awarded one, it's a scam. Grant money is not given over the phone for a fee. In order to qualify for a grant you must apply for the specific opportunity that you are qualified to apply for.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS ARE AWARDED FOR EXPLICIT OPPORTUNITIES
Government Grants are typically awarded to states, cities, educational institutions, nonprofits and other organizations to fund research and other projects.
GOVERNMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION IS FREE
Be cautious of offers that ask for your personal information (especially financial) when requesting a fee to access grant information. You can always access free information about government grants and other benefits at Grants.gov and Govbenefits.gov
If you get this call, please report it to:
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/general-support/grant-fraud.html
I received a call, first from a "private caller". When I answered, a female advised me that I was eligible for a "Sederao" grant in the amount of $7,000 for being a good citizen, not getting in trouble with the law and not filing bankruptcy. She stated there were two ways to receive payment 1) by direct deposit or 2) by Western Union money transfer. She then wanted to verify my mailing address and wanted to know my DOB. I would not give this information to her and she gave me the number 202-436-9770 to speak to the "finance manager". I hung up and called the Florida State Attorney General (866-966-7226) who took the information and had me call the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (877-382-4357) to also report the scam. Both offices confirmed the scam. I urge anyone that has received a call from these scam artists to take the time, do the right thing, and report all incidences so these people can be caught.
To report the fraud, go here:
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/general-support/grant-fraud.html
Their number is listed , along with an email address, at the top of the page.
Also here:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0113-government-grant-scams