Free government grant scam
These messages say you were picked for a federal grant you never have to repay, but you must pay a processing fee first, often with a gift card.
How this scam works
The grant does not exist. Every fee you pay leads to another one.
Common versions of the message
- A grant you never applied for
- A processing or release fee
- Payment by gift card
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 019-2265
Congratulations! You have been selected to receive a $9,000 federal grant that you never have to repay. To release the funds today, pay the $250 processing fee with a Google Play card.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Free money: “selected to receive a $9,000 federal grant”
The government does not text grants to random people
The government does not text people to offer grants.
- 2
Upfront fee: “pay the $250 processing fee”
Real grants never charge you to collect
Real grants never charge you to receive them.
- 3
Gift card: “with a Google Play card”
No government agency takes gift cards
No government agency takes gift cards.
What to do
- Do not pay any fee.
- Look up real grant programs on grants.gov by typing it yourself.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you sent gift card numbers, contact the gift card company with your receipt right away.
- If you shared bank or identity details, call your bank and consider a credit freeze.
- Do not pay any further fees.
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