Reports of Fraudsters Offering Fake Government Grants

Action Fraud are warning that Individuals and businesses are being targeted by 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.

What do they do?

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. 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. The grant funds are never given by the fraudsters and the money that’s been loaded by the victim onto the card is stolen.

Top Tips

• If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately. If you think you have lost money, tell your bank immediately.
• Never give out personal or financial details over the phone or over email to people you don't know/ have never dealt with before. 
• You can search on the Financial Conduct Authorities website for details on a financial service FCA Website
• Report to Action Fraud here- Action Fraud