ScamVictimsUnited.com

This information is from a newsletter

STIMULUS SCAMS. The FTC is warning consumers to stay away from websites that claim the stimulus package gives out easy-to-get grants for almost anyone that applies. These ads, which feature photos of President Obama and Vice President Biden, show up on social networking sites, streaming video sites, search engines and more. Any site that says you have to pay money to get free money is a scam. Press release: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/stimulusscam.shtm.

TIP OF THE MONTH --- SEEING THROUGH STIMULUS SCAMS

With talk of stimulus plans ruling the news, it’s no surprise a new round of stimulus scams are afoot. Scam artists are tapping into the headlines to reel in unsuspecting consumers. You've probably seen the ads: they feature photos of President Obama and Vice President Biden and claim anyone that applies can get free money. They claim the Stimulus Package gives out easy-to-get grants for virtually anyone who applies. They offer compelling testimonials describing people who used grant money to pay off their mortgages or fix their homes. The FTC is warning people that the promise of stimulus money in return for a fee or financial information is always a scam.



There’s more than one way to perpetrate a stimulus scam and the FTC offers this advice to protect yourself from one.



1. Remember: free is free. Some scam artists ask you to send a small processing fee, supposedly to get a much larger check in return. That’s money you’ll never see again. Even if they tell you that you'll only need to pay $1.99 for membership, don't do it. Scammers often bury fine print on their sites and can charge you hefty fees if you don't cancel your membership.



2. Beware if someone asks for your bank account number so they can “deposit” your check. They can use the information to clean out your account or open new ones using your identifying information.



3. Some stimulus scams encourage you to click on links, open attached forms, or call phony toll-free numbers ---- which can install harmful software, like spyware, on your computer.



4. If you get a message offering you money from the stimulus program in exchange for your personal information, ignore it, delete it, or throw it out. The IRS doesn’t send emails like this asking for personal information. Don’t trust a rebate company claiming to have stimulus payments for you. If you get an unexpected email from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking you to call a number or email back personal information, forward it to phishing@irs.gov, then delete it without clicking on any links or opening any attachments.



5. The government doesn't charge people to apply for a grant or to get a list of grants. If you want to apply for a government grant, check out the free list at Grants.gov.



For more information, visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consume ... lt125.shtm.