Broadband Tech → Security → Scam and Phishbusters > Re: [Scam] US Government Grant Department Fraud

Re: [Scam] US Government Grant Department Fraud

I just had my own encounter with these mindless, script reading, out sourced, scammers. I had a phone call from a 202 area code 3 different times in the past week or so. I picked up the call each time thinking it was a friend of mine at school in D.C. Calling from some land line. I would say hello and since I didn't get a prompt response I hung up.
Today however, I said hello and waited just a tad longer and then to my surprise I was speaking to Kevin or Robert or whatever ridiculous American name this Middle Eastern/ Southern Asian telephone theif was using stating our own US Government. Now given that I had a caller ID number and the amazing diversity of this country I held back my skeptisim as this gentlemen proceeded to inform me of a $7000 grant I had been chosen which of course had no interest or ever needed to be repaid and gave me the choice of cash, check, or added electronically to one of a couple cards of my choosing.
The reason I was so lucky was because I fit the demogrphic of a person who has paid taxes on time and who has no criminal record and a few other things that had set me above the rest. This was amazing to me because I haven't paid any taxes in over 6 years (shhh, and I'm sorry) and I in fact do have a criminal record (nothing crazy, couple misdemeanors, it was a big misunderstanding) But me being the hardened criminal that I am, did not correct him. He informs me that this money is mine to do with as I please as long as it is not used for evil basically. He also knew the postal code from where I am and found me a location to retrieve the funds without me ever giving any information and with the area code of my cell phone belonging to a state on the other side of the country.
A part of me (the part that is barely check to check at the moment) begins to entertain the thought that finally some sun through the clouds is shining on me to give me the assistance I needed to get back in black. I accept and he gives me a number to call, right away, right after we hang up , instantly, and if its busy call back in 5 minutes. That number was another DC number, 202-697-9659, and to give my conformation code of GG1019 to the next New Dheli nightmare to access my account.
Going along for the ride still, I make the call. On the other end, which is now devoid of the loud background chatter from the first representatives line, is the boss man Mike "Macmood" Parker. Sorry for my satirical tone but I'm just still angry. But Mike Parker. I actually paused and replied, "Really, that's interesting" subtlety. Now the big closer Mike is going for the kill. Trying to talk quickly to downplay certain requirements and make it all seem on the level. All I know is that I have 7 grand coming to me, cash, and it will be ready to pick up today. I'd say a little fast for government work no?
Now comes the good old bait and switch. In order to have those 70 Benjamin's in my back pocket right now, I just have to put up $350. Just go to western union, call him at this number again and he'll guide me from there. Now it's my turn. I want to see just how unscrupulous they can be. I sigh and I say is there anyway for me to verify that this is actually what is being described to be. Mr. Parker ever ready with his book of retorts and rebuttals fires back with his credentials. Stated that they are located in the HHH building at 1200 Independence Ave SW, Washington D.C. 20201 and that his employee #APL. Very official.
I lay it on think to see if he has a heart in his chest. I said to him, "Im sorry for my skepticism. This grant couldn't have come at a better time. I have the $350 but it is pretty close to all that I have right now. If this doesn't go through, things would go very bad for me in a hurry and will most likely be homeless by the end of the month." And what does he come back with? That the initial "security deposit" is only for the purpose of verifying my identity and will be refunded with the payment of the grant.
To finish it up I thank him and I verify my information with him before getting ready to sprint out the door to recieve my tax free one time subsidy. But Mike, "I have just one question. Am I going to need a valid form of ID to pick up this money? Currently the DMV has my Drivers license. I never received a photo ID from them due to an unusable photo I was told, even though I paid for one. I do have a passport but it expired about 6 to 7 months ago. I've dealt with western union before and they usually do not bend on VALID photo ID." I hear him stammering a bit so I continue, "Since I'm just going to be calling you back from there, can I use this conformation number you've given me as my verification or can we just take the security deposit amount out of the grant total and settle it that way." I know he's still on the line but he is saying nothing. So I finish with, "What's the matter, is the answer to this one not in your book?" and a few more long silent seconds later he hung up.

I just can't believe that nothing can be done about this. It is theft plain and simple through confidence and coercion. They prey of the poor and the elderly. Those who need help so bad that they would believe anything if it meant they would get some much needed assitance or those old enough to still believe they can blindly trust without thinking someone would go to such lengths just to rob them via telephone. At least be a man, save me the embarrassment, and rob me at gunpoint. Lets see what commision you can pull that way.

All it takes is one person to fall for this scam and its a payday for them. If these guys are living in one of these southeastern asian countries, then their cost of living a is lower, so what little they do scam probably goes a long way.

I'm posting this because it appears to be the same as a number of other complaints.

Woman with heavy accent called to let me know that I had been randomly selected by the U.S. Government to receive $7,000 Tax Free.

She said she was from the U.S. Government Department of Grants

She said her name was "Esther Williams"
located at 2000 Government Ave. Washington
Confirmation No ES025

Wanted to verify information. First address she said I was at ______, TX (I am in New England)

I have reported this to our Attorney General, but in looking up to see if there was any info on this I came across this site. It certainly does appear to be a scam. I'm glad I did not divulge any information - I just stayed on line to try and get as much specific info as I could.

did he give you the name of the person to western union the money to because you an call western union and they will put a stop on that name

Stopping a name isn't gonna do a thing. They are just gonna switch to the thousands of other names they probably use.

the name they gave me was a Cogan Henson in Palm Harbor, Florida but she was calling from Washington, DC an the bank that deposits the money is US Bank of New York. That's all I could get from her.Shes blowing my phone up thinking i'm on my way to western union.