Cold callers running fake Government grant fund fraud reported in Northamptonshire

Individuals and businesses in Northamptonshire are being warned to watch out for cold calls and online contact from fraudsters who are offering victims the opportunity to apply for Government grants for an advance fee.
Cold callers running a fake Government grant fraud scheme have been reported in Northampton.Cold callers running a fake Government grant fraud scheme have been reported in Northampton.
Cold callers running a fake Government grant fraud scheme have been reported in Northampton.

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.

They cold call businesses and individuals offering the grant and if directing them to fill out an online application form with their personal information.

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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.

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

Charity Action Fraud are urging the public to hang up on these calls and report them immediately.

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They are asking Northamptonshire folk to be wary of unsolicited callers implying that you can apply for grants. You should never have to pay to receive a government grant, and they definitely won’t instruct you to obtain a pre-paid credit card. The government should have all the information they need if a genuine grant application was submitted, therefore any requests for personal or banking information either over the phone or online should be refused.

If you think your bank or personal details have been compromised or if you believe you have been defrauded contact your bank immediately.

Stop all communication with the ‘agency’ but make a note of their details and report it to Action Fraud.

If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting the Action Fraud website or by calling 0300 123 2040.