The "free government grant" message from a hacked friend
A familiar account can be copied or taken over. This made-up chat offers a federal grant, then asks for gift cards. Check your friend through a separate route.
Step 1 See what it looks like
This is a made-up example to teach you. We will never show you a real person’s message.
Step 2 Find the red flags
- 1
“I saw your name on the winners list too”
A friend message is not proof of a federal grant award.
- 2
“Message Agent Davis on here”
The message steers you to another unverified account.
- 3
“a small $300 fee in gift cards”
A gift-card demand to release a federal grant is a scam warning.
- 4
“to release it”
The federal government does not charge a fee to apply for a federal grant.
- 5
“the list closes today”
The deadline pressures you to skip checking.
Step 3 See why it works
You may trust a message that uses a friend's name. But the account could be copied or taken over. A reply in that same chat may go to the scammer.
- Do not pay or send gift-card codes.
- Do not use the links or contact this agent.
- Call your friend on a number you know.
- Check the claimed federal grant at grants.gov or the named agency's real site.
- Report a copied or hacked account to the app. Let your friend know.
- If you paid, call your bank or card company now. Keep receipts. Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Check the friend and the agency yourself. Do not pay gift cards to claim a federal grant.