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Government Grant Scams
Offers of free money from government grants are scams. Here’s how to avoid a government grant scam, and how to report it.
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Fake Prize, Sweepstakes, and Lottery Scams
You get a call, email, or letter saying you won a sweepstakes, lottery, or prize — like an iPad, a new car, or something else.
Consumer Alert
Fake prize offers don’t pay
The pandemic has caused financial distress because of lost jobs, income, and homes, and emotional distress because of social isolation.
Consumer Alert
“You’ve won! Now pay us” is always a scam.
During these difficult economic times, it is easy to imagine our financial problems disappearing by winning a big prize. Who wouldn’t like to win a million dollars, a new car, or a vacation home?
Consumer Alert
No prizes from the FTC
Recently, someone showed up at the door of the FTC to ask about his prize. He had a mailing saying he’d won $5 million – and the FTC had “certified and verified” it.
Consumer Alert
Winners are losers in lottery & sweepstakes scams
You get a card, call, or email telling you that you won! Maybe it’s a lottery, sweepstakes, or some other prize. The person calling is excited and can’t wait for you to get your winnings.
Consumer Alert
Publishers Clearing House imposters keep coming
Who wouldn’t love to be that winner you see on TV holding a great big sweepstakes check?
Consumer Alert
The FTC will never ask you to send money
If someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) contacts you and asks you to send money, it’s a scam. Do not pay.
Consumer Alert
A government program that pays your bills?
Have you heard about a government program that will pay your monthly bills for an up-front payment or processing fee? Here’s a short version of the rest of this post: It’s a scam. Don’t do it.