Your Better Business Bureau serving Northern, Central and Western Arizona, is warning the public of a mailer that is circulating about ‘guaranteed’ government grants.
Consumers report to BBB that a post card states “Our office has been trying to contact you. You are Guaranteed a $25,000 Grant from the U.S. Government.” The postcard only provides a phone number for contact. When a consumer calls the phone number, he/she receives a recording that they must pay $59 to receive a grant and grant guide.
“The red flag in this situation is they are asking you to pay up front money to receive a grant guide for a guarantee the U.S. wouldn’t make,” BBB Yavapai County Director Mary Hawkes said.
BBB cautions consumers to be aware that obtaining a grant is a complicated process requiring documentation and research. Grants, through the government or private foundations, are usually given only to serve a social good or community program. Although there may exist private foundations whose requirements are based on individual’s personal preference, most sources of grant money do not give grants to individuals for personal needs.
Grant-making foundations also require that applicants meet very specific guidelines established by the foundation and that the funds be used for specific projects the foundation wishes to support. General information about grants is generally available to the public for free from public libraries or the Internet.
BBB offers the following tips:
- Watch out for phrases like “free grant money” or “guaranteed grant.”
- Be wary if you are asked to provide money up-front to an unknown company before the company will provide promised services.
- Always remember to check out any company you plan to do business with by contacting your Better Business Bureau at www.arizonabbb.org. You can also check with a regional or state economic development office to see if they know of grant programs for which you might qualify.
For more information on government grants visit www.grants.gov the official government website to apply for grants. The agency can also be contacted by email or telephone: at support@grants.gov or 1-800-518-4726.
About BBB Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona
BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in Central, Northern and Western Arizona, supported by over 10,000 BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.