Government grants
 

Not sure where to post this, it's a question about a phone call I got. I have alot of telemarketers calling and telling me I won a vacation or some grand prize which makes me uncertain about a call I got today. The person said he was from 'Citizens Service Management', he said I was qualified for a $5000 government grant that I would not have to pay back. He verified my name and address, he already had it, and said he would be sending paper work by courier. I'm not sure what to make of this, I've never heard of this sort of thing happening, I'll find out more when the papers arrive. Does anyone know anything about this? I tried looking up the company but couldn't find anything.

Be very cautious, Mojo. The government doesn't come running after you to give money, and they don't hire people to do it for them. Expect some kind of "finders fee" and not much else. Something smells about this.

"Something wicked this way comes" I think your right Elphaba, it would be nice to get some free cash though.

I have a feeling they will come to you, and tell you they have the money for you, but you need to put down the "finder's fee" first and then they will mail you the check.

What will happen is 9 of 10 people will hang up or laugh, the 10th will send in the finder's fee because they believe they'll get the check. And never hear from those people again.

On a personal note: I've dealt with a few of these "grant finders" for my sober house and recovery center and to say that I have yet to find one that is honest and can come through on what they promise (finding the money, writing the grant applications and getting the money) for a finder's fee percentage of the grant, is too say the least impossible, because all of a sudden they want the finder's fee up front.

That's not how I do business. Give me the service or proof of service and I'll pay.

That's for sure. I've dealt with these jackoffs for 15 years.

as others have said...

Don't give them any money. Period.

I have been doing some beginning research to see if there is a grant for remodeling for handicap access. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks much.