Caller left a message saying they were from the housing and urban development and I had to call them back to claim my grant. I called back and was told I have a $48,000.00 grant I can claim. I told them I never applied for a grant and was told that because I pay my taxes and have no criminal record I can receive this grant. I ok and was told they would call me for my information where to send it and when I will receive it. I don't know what to think.
Caller (with heavy unknown foreign accent) identified himself as "Daniel" from U.S. Dept. of Housing Urban Development. Left msg saying I needed to return his call or my "grant" would be cancelled. When I called the number (347-418-0402) the woman (with heavy Indian accent) identified herself as "Priscilla". She said I'd been selected for a grant of $48,450.00 from HUD b/c I've always paid my taxes on time, am not in debt to the government & have no criminal record. To collect my money (in cash or cashiers cheque) I should go to a "government store, either Walmart, Rite Aid or SevenEleven & bring with me photo ID, pen & paper, & $350.00 in cash." They will then issue me a "voucher" for the $350.00 (which is only necessary for them to "verify my identity as the legitimate grant recipient" & I should call her immediately (at the number above, ext. 177) from the store parking lot, as soon as I've left the store. I said I was unaware that the stores named were "government stores". She replied, that it's confidential information given out only to "grant recipients." She instructed me to call her again, as soon as I got home, & she would send a messenger to my apartment with the "grant package of $48,450.00 + the return of the $350.00." She cautioned me not to discuss this with anyone b/c there are so many people who try to "steal" these grants from legitimate recipients like myself. She tried to pressure me into going to the "government store" immediately although it was already 5:00 p.m. When I said I couldn't possible go until tomorrow or Monda, she said that would be ok. I immediately called the office of NYS A.G. Eric Schneiderman but they'd already gone for the day,