SmittyOne Loc: California

That is what they told me on the phone, with a very heavy accent, just that they could not send a check for $9100.00 dollars, I would have to go to 7-11 or Walgreen's, to get cash or a gift card, or a direct deposit into my bank account. It was only going to cost me $200.00 to process the paperwork.

I asked them if they would like to put in a bid on a bridge I was selling, great metropolitan area, guaranteed money maker with tolls, painted day-glow orange, and they could bid immediately. They hung up on me, the bums. Now I won't get the grant.

whitewolfowner

You warded off a scam. Should have played along and pumped information from them and then reported them to the authorities; if it would do any good and we both know it would not.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd have told them to just deduct it from the 9.1K and mail me a check. Deduct the amount it costs for the check, too.
--Bob

SmittyOne Loc: California

They kept telling me they weren't authorized to mail a check. The instant they said that I knew it was a scam. Gubbermint always uses checks. I told them that, and that I used to work in the Gubbermint, and we always used checks. They kept saying they weren't authorized. So I tried to sell them the Golden Gate Bridge ( I live in the bay area). That is when they hung up.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

An air horn into the phone works well...

Dannj

I've gotten similar calls and I love to play along with them. But it's sad how many people fall for them especially seniors. Police departments in many places have notified all drug stores, supermarkets, etc to call them immediately when anyone comes in to purchase unusual amounts/combinations of gift cards,

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I wish I got a government grant.

Popeye Loc: LifIno

Wish I could also get a government grant. All I ever get from them is you owe us in taxes.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

LOL

shelty Loc: Medford, OR

Yeah, I get those calls from time to time also. So I just give them some gibberish until they hang up.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Not only that, they lost the bid on your bridge!!

Don

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

I used to get a lot of those calls. But since I say, "Wait till I turn my recorder on" They don't call me any more.

GVC48507 Loc: Michigan

I had a similar call while at work three weeks ago. I wasted my lunch hour while wasting their time. I being a most upstanding individual qualified for a $14,566 federal grant paid for by the Apple Company processed through the Health and Human Services Department. I was amazed at what they had on me my name, address, phone and email. But not the necessary item like DOB, SSN, or where I worked. After providing that info (all way wrong but greatfully accepted) I was transferred to the manager. I got their phone numbers (caller ID placed them from Kitchener Ontario) and address in Waco TX (later I Googled the address and it was an IRS office). They wanted a $400 processing fee which will be fully refunded. My new best friend Rudy Smith wanted me to stay on the line while I went to Walgreens to purchase the prepaid card. He asked for credit card, debit card or electronic check as if I was going to provide that info. I asked so many off the wall questions a couple of co-workers came over and listened in as I placed him on speaker phone. Most on my questions were about what I could spend the money on, I was told nothing illegal. So I asked if hookers, gambling, guns were OK, as long as they were not illegal. I asked about chemicals so I could make some meth with my friend Walt White, as long as it was not illegal. As time was getting low I put him on hold and toldy friends what to say. Then while on talking to Rudy the Federal Tax Police raised my home and put me under arrest. Fifteen minutes later he called back to see if I was still going to get the prepaid card. My friend then started to question him. Rudy kept to his script. We ended the call by saying he had compleated the traced of the call and would be stopping by soon.

Moral of the story. The have a slick script. I understand why some would fall for it. He did not want me to tell anyone about the grant because the prepaid card is as good as cash and could steal the money from me. I now feel sorry for those that fell for them.