Fake Government Grants

Many thanks again to John from Blacon for this excellent article below regarding fake government grants. Unfortunately fake government grants scammers are out there. I should know I was approached by an organisation once.

In short, the outfit I was talking to expressed interest in a patented business venture me and a pal of mine were looking to launch. Most definitely grants were available they said. And, they also had a whole database of grant funders itching to help us. Great stuff I thought. How do I access this database?

Yes, you guessed it. “By sending us a shedload of money of course!!”

“No, not for us, thank you”

By all accounts, if you did pay them, the information they provide is not an actual list of grant providers per se as you would expect. Apparently, it is more of, let’s say, a wish list. A list you could fairly easily compile yourself as much of the “information” they provide is in the public domain anyway.

As it happens after not falling for the sales spiel, I did subsequently go on a “Grant Funding Skills” course. Very informative and ultimately a course that made the whole system not look so daunting. Anyway, that’s another story. I digress.

Back to John’s very helpful input on fake government grants……..

Fake Government Grants Fraud Alert 13/12/2017

Fake Government Grants

This is a message sent via Cheshire Police Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

Individuals and businesses are being warned to watch out for cold calls and online contact from fraudsters who are offering victims the opportunity to apply for Government grants for an advance fee.

To make the grants look legitimate fraudsters have set up bogus companies and convincing looking websites that claim to be operating on behalf of the UK Government.

Fraudsters cold call businesses and individuals offering the grant and if they’re interested direct them to fill out an online application form with their personal information.

Once the fraudsters have that information they’ll contact back victims and congratulate them on being accepted onto the grant programme.

Pre-paid credit cards

Applicants are then asked to provide identification and are instructed to get a prepaid credit card to deposit their own contribution to the fake Government grant scheme. Fraudsters will then contact victims on the phone or are emailed and asked for the details of their pre-paid credit card and copies of statements to in order for them to add the grant funds.

Of course the grant funds are never given by the fraudsters and the money that’s been loaded by the victim onto the card is stolen.

If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately and report it to us. We’ve already taken down one website fraudsters have been using to commit this fraud and are working with Companies House to combat this issue.

How to protect yourself:

Be wary of unsolicited callers implying that you can apply for grants. You should never have to pay to receive a government grant. Also, they definitely won’t instruct you to obtain a pre-paid credit card. The government should have all the information they need if a genuine grant application was submitted. Therefore any requests for personal or banking information either over the phone or online should be refused.

What to do if you’re a victim:

If you think your bank or personal details have been compromised, or if you believe you have been defrauded contact your bank immediately.

Stop all communication with the ‘agency’. And make a note of their details and report it to Action Fraud.
If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting http://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

The information contained within this alert is based on information from gathered by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). It is the purpose of this alert to increase awareness of this type of fraud. This alert is aimed at members of the public, local police forces, businesses and governmental agencies.

Action Fraud
ACTIONFRAUD.POLICE.UK

In Conclusion

You no doubt get the drift. Do not fall foul of these scam artists. If you have been victim of such an approach, then why not drop me a line.