SCAM LIBRARY · MONEY & PAYMENT

The 'free government grant'

Scammers claim you've been selected for a free government grant, but ask you to pay upfront fees or share personal information to claim it.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-06

How it works

You receive an unsolicited message (email, phone call, or mail) saying you've qualified for a government grant you never applied for. The sender creates urgency by saying the opportunity is time-limited, and then requests an upfront payment (processing fee, application fee, or tax) or asks for personal details like your Social Security number or bank account. Legitimate government grants never work this way.

Red flags

• You're told you've won or qualified for money you didn't apply for
• The sender demands an upfront payment or fee before you can receive the grant
• They ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card details
• There's pressure to act quickly or the offer will expire

What to do

• Do not send any money or share personal information—legitimate government grants are free to apply for and never require upfront payment
• Verify by checking official government websites directly (don't use links from the message) or calling the agency's main phone number
• Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov so authorities can track and stop this fraud