By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The State Consumer Protection Board is warning Western New York consumers about a telemarketing scam involving government grants.
A Florida-based company is calling people, telling them they're guaranteed at least eight thousand dollars in grants in return for a $257 processing fee. But what the consumer gets in return is nothing more than a booklet listing government grants.
Board Chair Teresa Santiago says some of these telemarketers give the impression that they're a government employee.
"What consumers need to know is that no government agency is going to call you at home and tell you they have money for you," Santiago said. "There is no government money out there for people to pay their personal expenses."
Vivian Norwood of Buffalo says she was a victim of the scam. She explained she was initially skeptical. But the calls persisted, and she was talked into providing personnel checking account information that resulted in $257 being withdrawn from her account.