Scam library · Government impostor · Phone calls · Texts
Government grant scam
'Congratulations! You've been approved for a $9,000 federal grant. You never have to pay it back.' To receive it, you just need to pay a processing fee or share your bank account.
The government doesn't call, text or message people to offer free grants.
What the message looks like
From: Facebook message from a friend's account
OMG I just got $25,000 from the Federal Grant program! You should apply too!
Contact Agent Thomas on WhatsApp and pay the $500 delivery fee.
How this scam works
Scammers pose as federal agencies with names like the 'Federal Grants Administration'. Some contact people through hacked social media accounts of friends who claim they received a grant too.
The FTC says government grants never require upfront fees, and real grants require a specific application. Information about legitimate federal grants is on grants.gov.
Fake grants often ask for payment by gift card, wire or crypto, or ask for bank details to 'deposit' the money, which can lead to account theft.
Most federal grants go to organizations, states and researchers, not individuals for personal expenses.
If you hear about a grant from a friend's social media message, call that friend directly. Their account may be hacked.
Scammers also place ads promising 'free money' or 'grants for personal bills', sometimes with fake testimonials. They may ask you to pay for a list of grants, a grant-writing service or a 'guaranteed approval' package. Real information about federal grants is free.
If you need help with bills, rent or food, contact your local social services office, 211, or official benefit sites. Those programs don't charge fees to apply and don't contact people out of the blue with prize money.
Scammers count on hope. When something sounds like a windfall, take a breath and check before you pay or share anything.
Red flags
- Unsolicited grant offers.
- Fees to receive the grant.
- Requests for bank details or Social Security number.
- Agencies that don't exist.
- Grants promoted by friends' messages.
How to tell it’s fake
- Check grants.gov for real federal grants.
- Call your friend directly if they messaged you.
- Never pay fees to receive government money.
- Search the agency name to see if it exists.
- Look for '.gov' at the end of any website claiming to be a federal agency, and type it in yourself.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Stop responding and report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you paid
- If you paid, contact your bank or gift card company immediately.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared bank details, call your bank and watch your account.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer checks grant messages and websites. It recognizes fake government pages and fee requests. If an offer seems legit, ask a scam expert before paying.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Do government grants charge fees?
- No.
- Where can I find real grants?
- grants.gov lists real federal grants.
- My friend got a grant. Is it real?
- Call your friend. Their account may be hacked.
- Can individuals get federal grants for personal needs?
- Rarely. Most grants go to organizations.
- I saw a grant ad on social media. Is it real?
- Be very cautious. Real federal grant opportunities are listed on grants.gov, and applying is free.