After applying for some loans online, I received a call from an Asian sounding woman saying she has a Federal Grant available for me if I send some money for a charity via Western Union. She provided a "reference number" when I called back. I called back once to get additional info. Then I called from a blocked number and she answered " Hello" instead of "Federal Grants Department" like she had before. It sounded like she was in a busy mall or something to make it sound like a busy office, but it sounded nothing like the typical call center calls. She said her zip code is 20201 and is in a Federal building in Washington, DC.
Well, of course this is a SCAM. You NEVER pay money to get money and you never want to send it via Western Union. Those are the two biggest red flags out there. If you have any questions, then call the BBB to see if they have any helpful tips. Or just call the real Federal Grants department found at Grants.gov.
I got a call saying I had a grant for 8500 but I had to pay 300 foe it to go into my bank account. She had my address and my bank card number, expiration date, and the three digits on the back. She hung up on me as soon as I said I do not have money to put into my bank for it work.
I first got a call from 828 - 303 - 5558
they told me to call back at 206 - 569 - 5696
I got the same calls from these people and they wanted $260 deposit for the grant. I gave my banking info before I knew that I had to pay. They offered me $8500 from the government.
Same call with same lies. They thought I would give them my bank information but I told them I have a prepaid card that they could put it on. Then the $260 came into play. She was talking so fast but i told her i don't have that kind of money. She then wanted me to raise the money and give her a call back. This after I did some grants searches online.. SCAM!!!!!!!!!!! BEWARE