CONSUMER ALERT: THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT GIVING YOU MONEY!

June 18, 2004

JUNE 18, 2004

CHARLES DOW, DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, 207-626-8577

 

            Attorney General Steven Rowe today warned Maine consumers against callers who claim you are eligible for a government grant and that all you have to do is pay them $250 in order to receive it.  “These government grant calls are just the latest variation on scams that claim you are eligible for money, but in order to get it, you must pay,” said Attorney General Rowe.

            Sometimes the caller will say that you are eligible for the grant because you paid your taxes or your credit card bill on time.  Sometimes they will promise a grant between $1,800 and $2,500, which can be used for school tuition costs or new construction or a new car.  Once the caller gets your interest, you will be asked first to either send money or give your credit card number or checking account number.

            Some of these callers claim to be representing organizations that can help you obtain government grants for an advance fee.  They are similar to advance fee loan scams that promise to arrange a loan for you, if you first send them money.  “Do not send them money, do not give them your credit card number, do not read them the numbers from the bottom of your checks,” said Attorney General Rowe.  “If they can get into your checking account or learn your credit card number, you will lose much more than the $250 fee they are asking you for,” warned the Attorney General.

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