Scam guides › Government grant / "free money" scam
Government grant scams: "You qualify for free money"
Updated . By the AskBeforeYouSend editorial team (how we fact-check). Fact-checked against the official sources listed at the bottom.
Short answer: It's a scam. The FTC says government agencies won't call, text, email or message you on social media about a grant you didn't apply for, grants aren't given for personal needs like bills, and real agencies won't make you pay to get a grant. Anyone who wants your Social Security or bank number to "see if you qualify", or a fee by gift card, wire or crypto, is a scammer.
Key facts
- Government grants usually go to organizations that applied, for a specific purpose (FTC, Mar 2026).
- Real help with food, housing and health costs: usa.gov/benefit-finder (FTC).
- Grants.gov explains how real federal grants work.
What it looks like
Congratulations! You've been selected for a $9,000 federal grant for your bills. Pay a one-time $250 processing fee with an Apple gift card to release your funds today.
A made-up example in the usual style.
How the scam works
- Someone contacts you out of the blue by phone, text, email or social media and says you qualify for free government money.
- They ask for your Social Security number to "check eligibility" and your bank number to "deposit" the grant.
- Then they want a processing fee by cash, gift card, wire or crypto.
Red flags
- Free money you didn't apply for
- Grant money for personal bills, school or debts
- A fee to get the money
- Requests for your Social Security or bank number
What to do now
- Don't pay and don't share numbers.
- If a friend sent it on social media, call them. Their account may be hacked.
- Look for real programs at usa.gov/benefit-finder and grants.gov.
- Report it to the FTC.
Never send money, gift cards, crypto or verification codes because of a call, text or message. Hang up and call the real number.
Report it
Questions
Is there really free government money for personal bills?
Not as a surprise grant. The FTC says government grants aren't awarded for personal needs. Real benefit programs need an application, and you can find them at usa.gov/benefit-finder.
Sources
- FTC consumer alert: How to avoid government grant scams that offer free money for personal expenses (Mar 5, 2026)
- FTC consumer alert: No, HHS didn't reach out about free grant money (Mar 2023)
- Grants.gov: Grant-related scams
Example messages are made up to show the pattern unless we say otherwise. Phone numbers in examples use the fictional 555 range.
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