Walmart PlayStation 5 Scam Call Warning

Consumers across the United States continue to report suspicious phone calls, voicemails, texts, and emails claiming they have won, reserved, purchased, or are eligible to receive a PlayStation 5 through Walmart.

These messages often create excitement and urgency while attempting to collect personal information, payment details, account credentials, or one-time verification codes.

If you receive an unexpected Walmart PlayStation 5 offer, proceed carefully and verify everything independently.

Quick Verdict: Likely Scam.

Walmart does not randomly call consumers offering free PlayStation 5 consoles or demanding payment to claim a prize, reward, or special promotion. Unexpected calls involving PS5 giveaways, Walmart rewards, account verification, or shipping fees should be treated as suspicious.

What Is the Walmart PlayStation 5 Scam Call?

The Walmart PlayStation 5 scam is a consumer fraud scheme that uses the popularity of the PS5 and the Walmart brand name to get people to send money or share sensitive information.

The scam may arrive as:

• A phone call
• A voicemail
• A text message
• An email
• A fake customer-service callback

The caller or message may claim:

• You won a free PlayStation 5.
• You were selected for a Walmart promotion.
• Your PS5 order has a problem.
• You must verify your account to complete delivery.
• You need to pay shipping, taxes, insurance, or a processing fee.
• You qualify for a Walmart customer reward.

How the Walmart PS5 Scam Works

1. You receive a phone call, voicemail, text, or email.
2. The scammer claims Walmart selected you for a PlayStation 5 promotion, giveaway, order update, or customer reward.
3. You are told to act quickly before the offer expires.
4. The scammer asks you to confirm personal information or account details.
5. You are asked to pay a fee or provide payment information.
6. In some cases, the scammer asks for a one-time code or login information.
7. The promised PlayStation 5 never arrives, or your account or payment information is misused.

Common Walmart PlayStation 5 Scam Variations

You Won a Free PlayStation 5

The caller says Walmart selected you to receive a free PS5, but you must first pay for shipping, taxes, insurance, or processing.

Your PS5 Order Has a Problem

The scammer claims there is an issue with a PlayStation 5 order and asks for account credentials or payment information to "verify" the purchase.

Walmart Rewards or Loyalty Program

You are told that as a Walmart customer, you qualify for a special PlayStation 5 reward or exclusive promotion.

Account Verification Scam

The caller asks for your Walmart login, payment details, or a one-time verification code sent to your phone or email.

Walmart Support Impersonation

The caller pretends to be from Walmart customer service, billing, fraud prevention, or a shipping department and claims action is needed to release or confirm the console.

Warning Signs of a Walmart PS5 Scam

Unexpected Contact

Be cautious if you receive an unsolicited phone call, text, or email about a prize, promotion, or order you did not initiate.

Payment Required to Claim a Prize

Legitimate prizes do not normally require gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or prepaid fees just to receive them.

Pressure to Act Immediately

Scammers often create urgency so victims do not take time to verify the offer.

Requests for Gift Cards

Gift cards are one of the most common payment methods requested by scammers. This is a major red flag.

Requests for Verification Codes

Never provide one-time passwords or account verification codes to an unsolicited caller or texter.

Requests for Login Credentials

Walmart will not legitimately need your password just to confirm a reward or promotion.

Why Scammers Use Walmart and the PS5

Scammers rely on recognizable names and desirable products. Walmart is one of the best-known retailers in the country, and the PlayStation 5 remains a high-interest product.

By combining a trusted retailer with a popular gaming console, scammers increase the chances that a target will respond emotionally instead of cautiously.

What Walmart Actually Does

Legitimate Walmart promotions and order issues are generally handled through official Walmart channels such as the Walmart website, app, Help Center, or confirmed customer-service routes.

Walmart representatives do not randomly call consumers demanding immediate payment to claim a PlayStation 5 prize.

If you receive a suspicious call or message, verify the matter directly through Walmart rather than through the number, link, or instructions in the suspicious contact.

What Should You Do If You Get One of These Calls?

Hang Up

If the caller pressures you, asks for money, or requests sensitive information, end the call.

Do Not Send Payment

Never pay fees to claim an unexpected prize or promotion.

Do Not Share Personal Information

Avoid providing account credentials, Social Security numbers, banking information, gift-card numbers, or verification codes.

Verify Independently

Contact Walmart directly using official support information if you are concerned about a real order, account, or promotion.

Report the Scam

Consider reporting suspicious calls or messages to the FTC and your phone provider's spam-reporting tools.

What If You Already Sent Money or Shared Information?

1. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
2. Report the transaction as soon as possible.
3. Change passwords if you disclosed account information.
4. Enable multi-factor authentication where available.
5. Monitor your bank, credit card, Walmart, and email accounts closely.
6. Watch for additional scam attempts.
7. If you gave out a one-time verification code, secure the related account immediately.

Important: Scammers often follow up after the first contact. A victim who responds once may later receive additional calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from Walmart, a bank, a shipping company, or even a fraud department.

Official Walmart Help and Consumer Resources

If you need legitimate Walmart contact information or help researching a Walmart-related issue, these pages may help:

• Walmart Customer Service, Returns and Complaints – Updated customer-service routes, order help, returns, Walmart+ support, and complaint guidance.
• Walmart Corporate Address, Headquarters & Phone Number – Corporate contact information and escalation guidance.
• WMT Plus Charge on Credit Card – Research Walmart+ membership charges and recurring billing concerns.
• WM Supercenter Charge on Credit Card – Learn more about Walmart Supercenter charge descriptions that may appear on a statement.

Related Scam Warnings

• Walmart Scam Calls
• Geek Squad Subscription Scam Warning
• Microsoft Security Alert Scam Warning
• Government Grant Scam Warning
• Florida Lottery Scam Warning

Bottom Line

Likely Scam.

Unexpected Walmart PlayStation 5 calls, voicemails, texts, or emails offering a free console, demanding a fee, or asking for verification details should be treated as suspicious. If the contact is real, you should be able to verify it independently through Walmart's official website or customer-service channels.

Have You Received a Walmart PlayStation 5 Scam Call?

Share your experience below.

• What phone number contacted you?
• What did the caller claim?
• Were you offered a free PlayStation 5?
• Did they request payment or personal information?
• Did they mention Walmart rewards, shipping fees, or account verification?

Your experience may help other consumers recognize and avoid similar scams.

Disclaimer

ThinkItsAScam.com is an independent consumer information website. We are not affiliated with Walmart or Sony. This article is intended for educational purposes to help consumers identify common scam tactics and verify suspicious calls, messages, and promotional claims.

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Missed Jury Duty Scam: Fake Warrants, Calls & Arrest Threats

Consumers receiving an unexpected call, text, email, or voicemail saying they missed jury duty and face arrest unless they pay immediately should be extremely cautious.

Missed jury duty scams continue to impersonate sheriff's deputies, police officers, court employees, federal judges, and U.S. Marshals. Scammers may know your name and address, spoof a real government telephone number, and even send an official-looking fake arrest warrant.

Quick Verdict: Likely Scam.

If someone unexpectedly claims you missed jury duty and says you must immediately pay money to avoid arrest, the communication is almost certainly fraudulent. Courts do not demand payment over the phone, and real law enforcement will not text or email you an arrest warrant.

What Is the Missed Jury Duty Scam?

The missed jury duty scam is a government-impersonation scheme designed to frighten victims into sending money or revealing personal information.

A typical version works like this:

1. You receive an unexpected call, voicemail, text, or email.
2. The person claims you failed to appear for jury duty.
3. You are told that a warrant has been issued for your arrest.
4. The scammer may provide a fake case number, badge number, judge's name, or courthouse address.
5. You are warned not to hang up or contact anyone else.
6. You are told you can avoid arrest by making an immediate payment.

The goal is to create enough fear that you pay before checking whether the story is true.

New 2026 Jury Duty Scam: Fake Arrest Warrants

The Federal Trade Commission issued a new warning in June 2026 about an increasingly convincing variation of the jury duty scam.

After calling and claiming you missed jury duty, scammers may send a text message or email containing what appears to be an official arrest warrant.

The fake document may contain:

• Your name
• An alleged warrant or case number
• A supposed fine amount
• Court or law-enforcement logos
• The name of a real judge or officer
• Instructions for making payment

According to the FTC: Real law enforcement will not text or email you an arrest warrant, and courts do not demand payment over the phone.

You can review the FTC's June 2026 missed jury duty scam warning.

Common Missed Jury Duty Scam Variations

Fake Sheriff's Deputy Call

The caller claims to be a deputy from your county sheriff's office and says a judge issued a warrant because you failed to appear for jury service.

The scammer may use the real name of a sheriff, deputy, judge, or court official to appear legitimate.

Fake U.S. Marshal Call

Scammers frequently impersonate the U.S. Marshals Service and claim a federal warrant has been issued.

The U.S. Marshals Service has repeatedly warned that it does not demand credit-card numbers, gift cards, bank routing numbers, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency payments from consumers to avoid arrest.

Fake Court Clerk Call

The caller may claim to work for a local or federal courthouse and provide a convincing-sounding case number.

Do not use a telephone number provided by the caller to verify the story. Find the court's official number independently.

Fake Arrest Warrant by Email or Text

Recent versions send an official-looking document after the initial call. The document may use government seals, signatures, court terminology, or fake payment instructions.

An impressive-looking PDF or photograph of a warrant does not prove that the document is genuine.

Fake Jury Duty Payment Website

Some scammers direct victims to websites designed to look like court, sheriff, or government payment portals.

The website may request:

• Your Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Driver's license information
• Debit or credit card details
• Bank information

Do not enter personal information into a website simply because a caller claiming to be law enforcement directed you there.

Jury Duty Scam Payment Methods

The FTC warns that scammers commonly demand payment through methods that make transactions difficult to reverse.

These may include:

• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin
• Zelle or other payment apps
• Wire transfers
• Prepaid debit cards
• Cash deposits
• Bitcoin ATMs or cryptocurrency kiosks

Major warning sign: A caller claiming you will be arrested unless you immediately pay through a gift card, cryptocurrency, payment app, wire transfer, or similar method is trying to scam you.

How Jury Duty Scammers Sound Convincing

These scams can be frightening because the caller may already know personal information about you.

Scammers may know or provide:

• Your full name
• Your home address
• Your county
• The name of a real judge
• The name of an actual sheriff or deputy
• A real courthouse address
• A realistic-looking badge number
• A fake court case number

The U.S. Marshals Service says scammers have used names of actual law-enforcement officers and federal judges, courthouse addresses, and other authentic information to make their stories more credible.

Knowing these details does not prove the caller works for the government.

Can Caller ID Show the Real Sheriff's Office?

Yes — and the call can still be fake.

Scammers can manipulate caller ID so that a telephone call appears to come from a legitimate courthouse, sheriff's department, police department, or U.S. Marshals office.

This practice is known as caller ID spoofing.

Never use caller ID alone to determine whether a government call is legitimate.

Do Courts Call About Jury Duty?

It is important not to oversimplify this point.

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts says that most contact between federal courts and prospective jurors occurs through U.S. mail.

However, legitimate court officials may sometimes communicate by telephone or email.

What federal courts say they will not do is use a telephone call or email to demand sensitive personal information.

They also do not call demanding immediate payment to prevent your arrest.

U.S. Courts – Juror Scam Guidance

What Happens If You Really Miss Jury Duty?

Ignoring a genuine jury summons can have consequences, which is exactly why this scam is effective.

But legitimate courts use established procedures rather than unexpectedly demanding money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or wire transfers.

If you are worried that you actually missed a legitimate summons, verify the situation directly with the appropriate court.

How to Verify a Missed Jury Duty Call

1. Hang up. Do not remain on the line because the caller threatens you.
2. Do not call a number they provide.
3. Find the court independently. Use an official government website.
4. Call the clerk's office directly. Ask whether there is an actual jury-service issue connected to your name.
5. Do not give the original caller personal information.
6. Do not send money while you investigate.

If the caller claimed to represent a federal court, the U.S. Courts Federal Court Finder can help locate the appropriate official court.

Warning Signs of a Jury Duty Scam

Threatening Immediate Arrest

Scammers rely on fear. They may say deputies are already traveling to your house or that you will be arrested if you hang up.

Demanding Immediate Payment

The FTC states that courts do not demand payment over the phone.

Insisting You Stay on the Phone

A scammer may tell you that hanging up will activate the warrant or cause officers to arrest you.

This tactic is designed to prevent you from independently verifying the claim.

Gift Cards or Cryptocurrency

A demand for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps is an especially strong scam indicator.

Official-Looking Documents

Government logos, seals, signatures, warrant numbers, and legal terminology can all be copied or fabricated.

Caller ID Looks Legitimate

Do not trust the displayed number. Government and law-enforcement numbers can be spoofed.

What If You Already Paid the Jury Duty Scammer?

Act as quickly as possible.

1. Contact the bank, card issuer, payment app, wire-transfer company, gift-card issuer, or cryptocurrency service you used.
2. Tell them the payment was connected to a scam.
3. Ask whether the transaction can be stopped or reversed.
4. Keep the gift card and receipt if gift cards were involved.
5. Save all texts, emails, fake warrants, phone numbers, receipts, and transaction records.
6. Report the scam to the FTC.

The FTC says it is worth contacting the payment company even when a transaction may already have gone through because some payment types can sometimes be reversed or refunded.

FTC – What To Do If You Were Scammed

What If You Shared Personal Information?

If you gave the scammer personal information such as your Social Security number, account credentials, or financial information, take additional precautions.

• Change compromised passwords.
• Contact affected financial institutions.
• Monitor accounts for unauthorized activity.
• Visit IdentityTheft.gov if identity information was exposed.

How to Report a Missed Jury Duty Scam

Reports can help authorities identify patterns and warn other consumers.

• ReportFraud.ftc.gov – Federal Trade Commission
• U.S. Courts Juror Scam Information
• Contact the clerk of the court the scammer claimed to represent using independently verified contact information.
• If a caller impersonated law enforcement, consider notifying the actual agency whose identity was used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the missed jury duty call a scam?

If an unexpected caller says you missed jury duty and must immediately pay money to avoid arrest, it is a scam. Verify any genuine concerns directly with the court using independently located contact information.

Will a sheriff call you for missing jury duty?

Do not assume a caller is legitimate merely because they claim to be from the sheriff's office. Scammers frequently impersonate local law enforcement and can spoof a real sheriff's telephone number.

Will the U.S. Marshals call about missed jury duty?

The U.S. Marshals Service warns that scammers impersonate Marshals and demand money for supposedly missing jury duty. The agency says it will not demand credit-card, debit-card or gift-card numbers, bank routing information, wire transfers, or Bitcoin payments.

Will a court text an arrest warrant?

No. The FTC states that real law enforcement will not text or email you an arrest warrant. Official-looking warrants sent after a threatening jury-duty call are a current scam tactic.

Can a fake jury duty call show a real government number?

Yes. Scammers can spoof caller ID so the call appears to originate from an actual police department, sheriff's office, courthouse, or government agency.

Should I pay a jury duty fine over the phone?

No. The FTC states that courts do not demand payment over the phone. Hang up and verify the situation independently with the court.

Related ThinkItsAScam.com Warnings

• Traffic Citation Text Scam Warning
• Government Grant Scam Warning

Have You Received a Missed Jury Duty Scam Call?

Share your experience below to help other consumers recognize current versions of the scam.

• Did the caller claim to be a sheriff's deputy, police officer, court official, or U.S. Marshal?
• Did they say a warrant had been issued?
• Did they send you a fake warrant by text or email?
• What payment method did they request?
• Did caller ID display a government telephone number?
• What county or state did they claim to represent?

Please do not post your full name, home address, Social Security number, complete telephone number, court case number, payment information, or other sensitive personal information in the comments.

Page reviewed and updated: August 15, 2026.

Disclaimer

ThinkItsAScam.com is an independent consumer information website and is not affiliated with the U.S. Courts, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Trade Commission, any courthouse, sheriff's office, police department, judge, or other government agency. Scam tactics and court procedures can vary by jurisdiction. If you have genuine concerns about jury service, contact the appropriate court directly using contact information from an official government source. This article is provided for general consumer information and is not legal advice.

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Government Grant Scams: Fake Free Money, Calls, Texts & Fees

Consumers searching for "government grant scams," "federal grant scams," or an unexpected offer of free government money should be extremely cautious.

Scammers continue to contact people by phone, text message, email, social media, and online advertisements claiming they have been selected or approved for government grant money.

The supposed grant may be promoted as money for bills, education, home repairs, medical expenses, debt, a small business, or other personal needs.

Real government programs do provide grants, benefits, loans, and financial assistance. But an unsolicited message promising you free government grant money that you never applied for is a major scam warning sign.

Quick Verdict: Likely Scam.

If someone unexpectedly tells you that you have qualified for or won a government grant, then asks for personal information, banking details, or a fee before you can receive the money, treat the offer as a scam. Federal agencies do not contact people out of the blue to award personal grants they never applied for.

What Is the Government Grant Scam?

A government grant scam is a government-impersonation scheme that uses the promise of "free money" to steal money or personal information.

The scammer may claim:

• You have already been approved for a federal grant.
• You were selected to receive government assistance.
• Your name was chosen from a list of taxpayers or citizens.
• You qualify for emergency financial assistance.
• You can receive thousands of dollars without repaying it.
• You can use the money for personal bills, debt, education, medical costs, or home repairs.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that unsolicited offers like these are scams.

FTC – 2026 Government Grant Scam Warning

How Government Grant Scams Work

A typical grant scam follows this pattern:

1. You receive an unexpected phone call, text, email, social-media message, or online advertisement.
2. The sender claims you qualify for free government money.
3. You are congratulated or told that your grant has already been approved.
4. The scammer asks for personal information to "verify your eligibility."
5. You may be asked for bank information so the money can supposedly be deposited.
6. A processing, delivery, tax, insurance, activation, or administrative fee suddenly appears.
7. You are told to send the fee immediately.
8. The grant never arrives.

After the first payment, the scammer may invent additional fees in an attempt to collect even more money.

Five Major Signs of a Government Grant Scam

The FTC's current guidance identifies several recurring warning signs.

1. You Never Applied

The government does not unexpectedly contact individuals to award grants they never applied for.

2. The Money Is Supposedly for Personal Expenses

Scammers often claim the grant can be used for:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Credit-card debt
• Medical bills
• Home repairs
• College expenses
• Household bills
• Starting a home business

The federal government does not randomly award personal "free money" grants for ordinary household expenses.

3. They Want Your Social Security Number

A scammer may claim your Social Security number, date of birth, driver's license, or other identification is needed to confirm your eligibility.

Do not provide sensitive information to someone who contacted you unexpectedly.

4. They Want Your Bank Account Information

The caller may say your bank account and routing number are required to deposit the grant.

Providing this information can expose you to financial fraud and identity theft.

5. You Must Pay Before Receiving the Money

This is one of the clearest warning signs.

A scammer may call the payment a:

• Processing fee
• Grant activation fee
• Delivery fee
• Tax
• Insurance payment
• Verification charge
• Administrative fee

A federal agency will not demand that you pay a fee to release grant money supposedly awarded to you.

Gift Cards, Cryptocurrency and Wire Transfers

Government grant scammers frequently request payment through methods that are difficult to reverse.

These can include:

• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin
• Wire transfers
• Cash
• Cash reload cards
• Payment apps

Do not pay to receive a government grant.

A caller claiming to represent a federal agency and demanding payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash, or wire transfer is not following a legitimate federal grant process.

Fake Government Agency Names

Scammers often invent impressive-sounding government departments.

The FTC specifically warns about the name:

Federal Grants Administration

There is no federal agency by that name.

Grants.gov also warns about fictitious organizations such as a supposed Federal Bureau of Grant Awards.

A government-sounding name does not prove that an agency exists.

Can the Caller ID Show a Real Government Number?

Yes.

Caller ID can be spoofed so that an incoming call appears to originate from Washington, D.C., or even from a real government telephone number.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General confirmed that scammers have spoofed genuine HHS-OIG numbers while pretending to be government employees.

Do not use caller ID as proof that someone works for the federal government.

HHS Government Grant Scams

Some scammers specifically impersonate the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

HHS-OIG warns that criminals have used:

• Facebook and other social-media platforms
• Messaging and chat applications
• Fake HHS websites
• Fake online customer-service chats
• Names of supposed HHS employees

The scammer may claim that you have received an HHS grant and then request money or personal information.

HHS says it will not contact you through social media to begin a grant application and will not demand payment before you receive a grant.

Official HHS websites use a .gov domain.

HHS-OIG – Fake Government Grant Warning

Is Grants.gov Legit?

Yes. Grants.gov is a legitimate official U.S. government website.

Grants.gov is the federal government's central portal for locating and applying for federal grant opportunities.

The website address is:

Grants.gov

Grants.gov is legitimate — but it is not a website that hands out free personal money.

Federal grants listed there generally fund specific programs, organizations, institutions, research, public projects, and other defined purposes. You must meet eligibility requirements and submit an application.

Does Grants.gov Charge a Fee?

No fee is charged simply to search for federal grants or submit a federal grant application through Grants.gov.

Grants.gov warns that someone claiming you must pay a fee to obtain a federal grant is displaying a major scam warning sign.

Grants.gov – Grant-Related Scams

Do Real Government Grants Exist?

Yes. The fact that government grant scams exist does not mean government grants themselves are fake.

Federal grants fund many legitimate activities involving:

• State and local governments
• Nonprofit organizations
• Universities
• Research institutions
• Tribal governments
• Community organizations
• Businesses or other entities eligible for particular programs

Some federal programs may also have individual eligibility categories, but legitimate grants involve a defined program, eligibility requirements, and an application process.

They are not random prizes awarded because someone called or messaged you.

What If I Need Government Help With Personal Expenses?

This is where scammers create confusion.

The government does offer legitimate benefit and assistance programs that may help eligible individuals with needs such as:

• Food
• Housing
• Health care
• Education
• Disaster assistance
• Utilities
• Other qualifying expenses

These programs should not be confused with an unsolicited offer of a personal federal grant.

USAGov provides an official benefit finder that can help consumers identify assistance programs they may qualify for.

USAGov Benefit Finder

Can You Win a Government Grant in a Drawing?

No.

Grants.gov warns that federal grants are not awarded through lotteries or drawings.

If someone says your name was randomly selected to receive federal grant money, that is a scam warning sign.

Can You Get a Federal Grant Without Applying?

No legitimate federal grant is awarded simply because someone telephoned, texted, emailed, or messaged you.

Grants.gov states that federal grants involve an application through an official government process.

You cannot legitimately obtain a federal grant simply by calling an unknown telephone number or replying to an unsolicited email.

Government Grant Scams on Facebook and Social Media

Social-media grant scams can be particularly convincing because the message may appear to come from someone you know.

A scammer might:

• Compromise a friend's social-media account
• Create a duplicate profile
• Tell you that your friend received government money
• Recommend a supposed government grant agent
• Direct you to a fake government page or chat

Do not assume the offer is legitimate merely because it came from a familiar account.

Contact the person separately using a telephone number or another method you already know to verify whether they really sent the message.

How to Verify a Government Grant Offer

1. Ask yourself whether you actually applied. If not, stop.
2. Do not use a telephone number supplied by the caller.
3. Do not click links in an unsolicited grant message.
4. Search Grants.gov directly for federal grant programs.
5. Look up the claimed government agency independently.
6. Check that federal websites use legitimate .gov domains.
7. Never send a fee to release supposedly free government money.
8. Never provide your Social Security or bank information to an unsolicited caller.

What If You Already Paid a Government Grant Scammer?

Act quickly.

1. Contact the company or financial institution used to send the payment.
2. Tell them the transaction was connected to a scam.
3. Ask whether the payment can be stopped, reversed, or recalled.
4. Save texts, emails, receipts, usernames, websites, and telephone numbers.
5. Report the scam to the FTC.

The FTC says the sooner you contact the payment provider, the better your chance of limiting additional losses.

ReportFraud.ftc.gov

What If You Shared Your Social Security Number or Bank Information?

If you gave the scammer sensitive personal or financial information:

• Contact your bank or card issuer immediately.
• Change compromised passwords.
• Monitor financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
• Review your credit reports.
• Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze.
• Use IdentityTheft.gov if identity information may have been stolen.

IdentityTheft.gov

How to Report a Government Grant Scam

Government grant scam attempts can be reported through:

• Federal Trade Commission – ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• HHS Office of Inspector General if the scammer claimed to represent HHS

Keep screenshots, telephone numbers, email addresses, social-media profiles, payment receipts, and other evidence when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are government grant offers a scam?

An unsolicited offer telling you that you qualify for free government grant money is a major scam warning sign, especially when you never applied and the sender asks for personal information or a fee.

Is Grants.gov legit?

Yes. Grants.gov is the legitimate official federal grant portal. It provides information about federal funding opportunities and applications. It does not randomly contact individuals offering free money for personal expenses.

Does the government give free grants to individuals?

The federal government funds legitimate grant programs, but unsolicited offers of free grant money for personal bills are scams. People seeking personal financial help should research legitimate government benefits and assistance programs through USAGov.

Do I have to pay a processing fee for a government grant?

No legitimate federal agency will demand an upfront processing, delivery, activation, or verification fee before releasing grant money supposedly awarded to you.

Will the government call me to say I won a grant?

No. Federal grants are not prizes or lottery winnings. An agency will not unexpectedly call to tell you that you won a grant you never applied for.

Is the Federal Grants Administration real?

No. The FTC specifically identifies "Federal Grants Administration" as an official-sounding name used in grant scams. No federal agency by that name exists.

Can a government grant scam show a real government number on caller ID?

Yes. Caller ID can be spoofed. HHS-OIG has warned that scammers have displayed genuine government telephone numbers while impersonating agency employees.

Are Facebook government grant offers real?

Be extremely cautious. HHS-OIG warns that scammers use social-media platforms, messaging apps, and fake government websites to promote fraudulent grants. Verify any program independently through an official government website.

Related ThinkItsAScam.com Warnings

• Missed Jury Duty Scam: Fake Government Calls & Warrants
• Traffic Citation Text Scam: Fake Government Payment Warning

Have You Received a Government Grant Offer?

Share the non-sensitive details of your experience below to help other consumers recognize current versions of the scam.

• How were you contacted?
• What government agency did the person claim to represent?
• How much grant money was promised?
• What did they say the money could be used for?
• Did they ask for a Social Security number?
• Did they request bank information?
• Were you told to pay a processing or delivery fee?
• What payment method did they request?
• Did the offer come through Facebook or another social-media platform?

Please do not post your full name, telephone number, home address, Social Security number, bank information, card details, government account credentials, or other sensitive information in the comments.

Page reviewed and updated: August 18, 2026.

Disclaimer

ThinkItsAScam.com is an independent consumer-information website and is not affiliated with Grants.gov, USAGov, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HHS-OIG, or any federal, state, or local government agency. Legitimate government grants, benefits, loans, and assistance programs do exist and have specific eligibility and application requirements. This article concerns fraudulent offers that impersonate government programs or promise unsolicited "free money." Government programs, websites, contact information, eligibility rules, and reporting procedures can change. Verify current information through official government sources. This article is provided for general consumer education and is not legal, financial, or government-benefits advice.

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