*Fake Government Grants Fraud Alert*
*This is a message sent via South Yorkshire Police Alerts. This
information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud
Intelligence Bureau)*
<https://www.actionfraudalert.co.uk>
Individuals and businesses are being warned to watch out for cold calls
and online contact from fraudsters who are offering victims the
opportunity to apply for Government grants for an advance fee.
To make the grants look legitimate fraudsters have set up bogus
companies and convincing looking websites that claim to be operating on
behalf of the UK Government.
Fraudsters cold call businesses and individuals offering the grant and
if they’re interested direct them to fill out an online application form
with their personal information.
Once the fraudsters have that information they’ll contact back victims
and congratulate them on being accepted onto the grant programme.
_Pre-paid credit cards_
Applicants are then asked to provide identification and are instructed
to get a pre-paid credit card to deposit their own contribution to the
fake Government grant scheme. Fraudsters will then contact victims on
the phone or are emailed and asked for the details of their pre-paid
credit card and copies of statements to in order for them to add the
grant funds.
Of course the grant funds are never given by the fraudsters and the
money that’s been loaded by the victim onto the card is stolen.
If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately and report it to
us. We’ve already taken down one website fraudsters have been using to
commit this fraud and are working with Companies House to combat this
issue.
_How to protect yourself:_
Be wary of unsolicited callers implying that you can apply for grants.
You should never have to pay to receive a government grant, and they
definitely won’t instruct you to obtain a pre-paid credit card. The
government should have all the information they need if a genuine grant
application was submitted, therefore any requests for personal or
banking information either over the phone or online should be refused.
_What to do if you’re a victim:___
* If you think your bank or personal details have been compromised or
if you believe you have been defrauded contact your bank immediately.
* Stop all communication with the ‘agency’ but make a note of their
details and report it to Action Fraud.
* If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud,
report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk
<http://www.actionfraud.police.uk>or by calling 0300 123 2040.
The information contained within this alert is based on information from
gathered by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). The purpose
of this alert is to increase awareness of this type of fraud. The alert
is aimed at members of the public, local police forces, businesses and
governmental agencies.