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WOODVILLE REPUBLICAN
WOODVILLE, MS

Circulation = 2550

WEEKLY

05/13/2010
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BBB Says Beware

Of Grant(­ Scams

?~
The B~ter Business Bu­
reau (BBB) serving Mississippi
warns consumers that scam
artists, claiming to represent a
fOOemJ agllI1C)\ are telling them
that they have been selected to
receive government grants (of­
ten ranging from $10,000­
30,000).
"'The scammers are saying
that processing fees, ranging
from $250 to $500, must be
paid to receive the grant mon­
ey," said Bill Moak,
PresidentCEO of BBB Mlssi&­
sippi. "In response, some indi­
viduals have provided bank ac­
munt infurmation while others
have wired money.Aro:mling to
every repxt, that fee is the only
money that ever changes
hands."
The BBB offurs the fhllow­
ing regarding government
grants:
• Grants are not entitle­
.menta or benefits.
• 0rmUl!! ~.1llJt tederal as­
sistance or loans to individuals.
• There are no processing
fees fur fOOemJ grants.
• Grants are not issued fur
personal use. They are fur insti­
tutions and non-profit organi­
zations to carry out projects
with a public purpose.
Grant information (and ap­
plications) can be fhund on the
following legitimate web sites:
• www.grants.gmr
• www.usagmr
• www.govbenefits.gov
The BBB has been serving
Mississippi consumers and
businesses since 1964 by pr0­
viding a wide range of con­
sumer protBction services. Th
obtain infurmation about busi­
nesses or charities (local or na­
tional), visit their web site
(www.ms.bbb_org) or call the
Automated Response Line
(BOO-987-8280).