{"id":107249,"date":"2016-06-29T11:30:54","date_gmt":"2016-06-29T15:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/blog\/?p=107249"},"modified":"2023-11-10T03:32:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T08:32:21","slug":"government-grants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/blog\/government-grants\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tell If a Government Grant Offer Is a Scam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You get a call, email, or letter from the federal government saying you are the winner of a free U.S. grant.<\/p>\n

All you have to do is pay a processing fee to receive the money.<\/p>\n

How do you know if the offer is legitimate or a scam? <\/em><\/p>\n

Here are five ways to spot a grant scam:<\/p>\n

1. Did you apply for a grant?<\/h3>\n

Legitimate grants do not show up at your door as a surprise — you have to apply for them. So, if you are offered a grant you know nothing about, it’s most likely a scam.<\/p>\n

2. Is a fee involved?<\/h3>\n

Grant applications are usually free as they are sourced at the federal or state\/county level with public funds. If you are asked to submit a fee to apply for the grant or learn more about it, there’s good chance it is scam. Asking for an application fee is the number-one way scammers make their money.<\/p>\n

3. Is the grant for business or personal use?<\/h3>\n

U.S. grants to a business or nonprofit are for the sole benefit of the company. If the grant is for school, living, or other personal expenses, that’s an immediate red flag that it is not legit.<\/p>\n

4. What agency does the issuer represent?<\/h3>\n

Although it may sound impressive, if they are from the Federal Grants Administration, there is no such office. Do some research on the agency to make sure it really exists.<\/p>\n

5. Were you asked for either your personal or your company’s ID, or your bank account information?<\/h3>\n

When asked for this information, ask the caller for the proposal in writing. Chances are, you will never hear from them again.<\/p>\n

Who Offers Legitimate Grants?<\/h3>\n

There are a few federal grant programs for for-profit companies and many state\/county economic development financial assistance programs.<\/p>\n

At the federal level, the SBA<\/a> has disaster recovery grants — think hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.<\/p>\n

Also, some agencies like National Institutes of Health and the Defense Department participate in the Small Business Innovation Research<\/a> program, which helps companies research tech innovations for possible commercialization in areas that are of interest to these agencies.<\/p>\n

At the state\/county level, there are many financial assistance programs that foster company and job creation in their respective geographic areas. These take the forms of loans<\/a>, equity investments, and occasionally grants. Often they have matching requirements and, of course, accomplishing the purposes set out.<\/p>\n

Questions to Ask About a Legit Grant (OR) You Won a Legit Grant — Now What?<\/h3>\n

When you are the fortunate recipient of a legitimate U.S. grant, make sure you understand its purpose and requirements upfront.<\/p>\n