Federal Government Grants Department
Complaint 169266 Details

On or about September 20, 2012 I responded to an email ad for Federal Grants for Home Improvements. I was contacted by an individual who identified himself as Chris Waters from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and that my home improvement grant had been approved in the amount of $8400.00. The purpose of the grant was for a handicap ramp and porch to allow access to my home for my wheelchair plus a walk-in tub/shower combination. He reported that the grant approval number was JN-227. He advised that due to outsourcing much of the administrative work functions were contracted out and that I would be required to pay a one time administrative fee of $205.00. I was instructed to use Western Union and wire the fees to a Rodriguez Mena Norlan in Costa Rica. I did as instructed after checking out the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the web. All appeared legitimate hence I forwarded the funds as directed. Western Union Confirmation number 6607535725 (Gold Card Number 843285414). I was notified that the funds had been retrieved and called Chris Waters back to advise him at (202) 391-0961. He advised he would release the funds and that the Administrator from the Bank would contact me within the hour. I subsequently received a call from Nancy who represented herself as being the account manager for the Home Improvement Grant JN-227. After verification of who I was and what the Grant monies would be used for she advised the was a deposit of $499.00 which would be fully refunded with the grant check. Therefore instead of being $8400.00, I would be issued a check for $8900.00.I advised that I had already paid the other administrative fee and that being on disability (fixed income) and unable to work that it would make things extremely tight. She advise that the check would be issued within 24 hours and that she would hand walk it through to make sure it happened. I conceded and sent the money again via Western Union to a Castro Granados Enar inCosta Rico. MTCN: 932-442-2496Tracer Number 562998. I was notified by Western Union that the monies had been picked up by the individual within the hour. I called Nancy back at the number she left for me (646) 219-0277 and advised her that the transaction was completed. She advised that she would expedite the paper work and walk it through as promised even though it was Friday. She called back later and left a voice message that due to a large number of checks being disbursed that my check would not be ready until Monday and to call her first thing. Monday morning (10/7/2012 I started calling early only to receive a message that the number i had reached was no longer in service. I tried calling Chris Waters only to receive the same recorded message. I tried off and on for the next week to no avail. I then learned about your site and decided to give it a try. I am unsure as contacting the FBI and Homeland Security in that it involves foreign nationals and potential terrorist funding activities. Please advise.