U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Offers Tips on How to Avoid Grant Scams

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is warning citizens to be aware of scammers who see the New Year as the perfect opportunity to prey on unsuspecting individuals looking to replenish funds after the holidays. Fraudulent grant offers are particularly pervasive,so HHS representatives have a few tips to keep in mind in order to protect yourself from tricksters.

First of all, no legitimate federal government employee would ever call to say you qualify or you’ve been approved for a grant you never applied for. Representatives say to look out for people who target individuals since all government grants involve an application process to carry out projects with a public purpose and are not intended for personal use. Continue reading

Beware of Caller ID Spoofing

Call spoofing telephone scamThe latest telephone scam reported in the area involves so-called “caller ID spoofing.” The LaPorte Police Department has received several reports of people getting calls from alleged IRS or police department representatives regarding IRS business. The caller ID shows the LaPorte Police Department number, and when residents call to verify information they get the same scam caller back. Continue reading