Complaint Review: Federal Government Grant Processing Center

I received a call at about 8:15pm tonight from an "unknown caller" as it appeared on my caller id. I picked up and a woman with and Indian accent claimed that I was qualified to receive an $8,000 grant from the Federal Government and that I could use it for anything I would like including business, pay off debt, etc. She continued to tell me that only 20,000 people across the U.S. are qualified and I was one of them.

Of course, I started asking her questions. It seemed to good to be true. She was willing to listen and answer all my questions. I asked her what the catch was here. She said there wasn't one. That all I had to do was pay a refundable processing fee of $257.00. I asked her why I had to pay this fee. Her answer was that it covered the fees that I would normal have to pay if I was trying to get a grant from the government. I also had til Sept. 26th to pay this fee and I didn't have to pay it over the phone. She also said that I would be receiving a packet in the mail in the next week or so with all the paperwork that I would need to read over to make sure it was in fact not a scam. She then asked me for my checking account number off one of my checks.

There was NO way I was going to give out this information. So I continued to grill her. I told her that if in fact she was calling from the federal government, that they would have an alternative method for people to pay this processing fee. I explained that there are too many people concerned with identity theft and privacy these days that the F.G. would NOT ask for this information over the phone. She continued to tell she understood where I was coming from and just needed it to send me to the Verification Dept. so I could get the access code for the rest of the process.

I told her that I wanted a # where I could reach someone first to verify that this was the Federal Government. She wouldn't give me the # at first, but then finally put me on hold and came back with an 800 #. She also gave me her name as Jessica Spencer and ID #.

I called the 800 # right as I got off the phone. It said I reached Customer Service (but didn't name a company) and said they were available 10am-7pm EST. I am so glad I continued to grill her and wasn't a victim of this scam. I knew right away that the $257 fee was part of the scam. And I am so glad I read these other ripoff stories about the same call. Don't get sucked into this!! And tell all your friends!

Amy
Sacramento, California
U.S.A.

EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.

According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.

If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.

Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!

Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.

And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.

Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.

CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD

If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.

Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.

And good luck Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@ripoffreport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

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...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.