No, the federal government isn't offering ‘elderly' grants you didn't ask for

Catherine Shook said someone stole her friend's Facebook identity and messaged her.

The scammer told her about a federal grant for the elderly. Shook told Action 9 she could use that money to "have done some things around the house that needed to be done," like building a wheelchair ramp.

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She pursued the so-called grant. She said the scammer asked for her phone number and then texted her. Then came the money part. The scammer asked how much she wanted. She said $50,000.

Then came the con.  "It was [$]50,000. You had to pay $560 when they delivered it to you."

That's right. She had to pay money to get money. Action 9 always tells you that's a red flag.

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Thankfully, Shook caught it. "I told him, I said, 'This is a scam.'  He said, 'You (are) insulting me.'"

Be suspicious:

• Of any federal grant you didn't apply for, even if it comes from an email or social media message you recognize.
• If you have to pay money to get money.

Cox Media Group