The "free government grant" message from a hacked friend
This feels safe because it comes from a friend. But their account is hacked or copied. The real trick is a fee. They make you pay it before any money arrives.
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 just got $50,000 free money! I saw your name on the winners list too.”
Real grants do not work this way. A friend never just hands you free cash. This is the hook of a hacked or fake account.
- 2
“Message Agent Davis on here”
They push you to a stranger who acts like a helper. That agent is the scammer.
- 3
“you only pay a small $300 fee in gift cards”
You never pay a fee to get money you won. Asking for gift cards is a sure sign of a scam.
- 4
“to release it”
Real grants and prizes never need a fee. That step exists only to take your money.
- 5
“Hurry, the list closes today”
Rushing you is on purpose. It stops you from checking if it is real.
Step 3 See why it works
It comes from someone you trust, so your guard is down. The promise of free money feels exciting. The rush and the friendly voice keep you from stopping to check. But the friend's account is hacked or copied. So you are really talking to a scammer.
- Take a slow breath. Free money that asks for a fee is never real.
- Do not pay any fee. Do not buy gift cards. Do not wire money or send money in an app.
- Do not click any link. Do not open any attachment in the message.
- Do not reply in the same chat to check. Do not message the agent. The scammer is the one who answers.
- Check on your friend a different way. Call or text the number you already have. Or ask them in person.
- Ask if they really sent it. If not, their account is hacked or copied.
- Report it. Tell the app the account was hacked or faked. Tell your friend so they can warn others.
- If you paid, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Call the gift card company right away and ask them to stop the card.
You never pay a fee to get money you won. Not by gift card, wire, or app. That is always a scam.