202-470-0931
Complaint 164671 Details

Received a phone call from a man with a heavy accent claiming to be a representative of United States Government Grants Department. He stated I had been selected to receive $7,000 grant because I pay my taxes on time and have not filed bankruptcy, etc. Was given a Conf# JK567, phone number 202-470-0931, and instructed to ask for Debbie Bennett who would give me further instructions to get the $7,000. I called this number and woman with a heavy accent just answered "hello". I asked for Debbie Bennett, she responded it is me, Debbie Bennett. I gave the confirmation #, she put me on hold and eventually came back with my name, address and zip code. She said in order to get the $7,000, I need to give information to receive the money by Visa, Master Card, or Debit card. If I wanted the cash I would have to go to any Western Union office of my choice, pay $330.00 which I would get back. The $330 was to give them time to verify I was the correct person. I would then received the $7,000 plus my $330 back. When I questioned all of this and asked to speak with someone else, Debbie first said I could just cancel receiving the money. I said I needed to verify they were a legitimate government office and I needed to speak to a supervisor. Another heavy accented man who said his name was Mike Parker, Financial Manager, verified what Debbie said. He further instructed that when I arrived at the Western Union parking lot, I needed to call him back before getting to the office. I told him that since they had verified my address, just send the money to me because I was not willing to pay money to get money. He said no and disconnected the call.