Scam Alert: Department of Heath and Human Services 'Grant'

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The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has been receiving calls from residents about scam phone calls they’re getting from people offering thousands of dollars in government grants.

The callers tell potential victims that they’re eligible for a Department of Heath and Humans Services grant between $7,500 and $9,000.

“The catch is that they want you to go and send between $200 and $300 through Wal-Mart Money Gram,” the shetiff’s office said in a news release. ”This is yet another way to scam people out of their money and/or vital information.”

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Tips for Avoiding a Scam

• Calls offering “free money” in exchange for pre-paid credit cards or other methods should not be trusted. If you did not apply for a grant or enter a contest personally, the caller is probably trying to scam you.
• NEVER give out personal information such as your Social Security Number, bank information, and/or date of birth.
• Many scam callers try to use scare tactics claiming that they know where you live or that you have a warrant out for your arrest. Don’t believe them. Better yet, hang up and report the call to your local law enforcement agency.

(Image: DCSO Facebook)