Have you ever received a call from someone claiming you won a government grant?
These callers often sound professional and use official names. They might say you earned a grant because you pay your taxes on time. Others claim you qualify for free money to fix your home or start a business.
The reality is simple. The government does not call people to offer grants. Real grants require a long and detailed application process. They are never handed out randomly over the phone.
How the scam works
Scammers often use “spoofing” technology to change their caller ID. Your phone might show a government department name or a Canberra area code. This is a trick to make you trust them.
Once they have you on the line, they ask for a processing fee. They might request payment via wire transfer or gift cards. In some cases, they ask for your bank details to deposit the money. If you give them this information, they will drain your account instead.
Red flags to watch for
You can spot these frauds by looking for these signs:
- You did not apply for any grant.
- The caller asks for an upfront fee or tax payment.
- They pressure you to act immediately.
- They ask for your bank account or credit card numbers.
- The caller uses a generic name like the Federal Grant Department.
Private websites to avoid
Take extreme care with sites like australiangovernmentgrants.org.au or https://www.google.com/search?q=australiangovernmentgrants.com. These businesses are privately owned and operated. They have no affiliation with the Government.
What you should do
If you get a call like this, hang up. Do not provide any personal or financial information. Pattens recommends that you use reputable professional grant consultants to prepare your applications. Pattens does not charge a fee to assess your entitlement to various government grants.
If you receive a suspicious call, be careful with the information you provide. If you are unsure, call 1800 026 222. You can also visit scamwatch.gov.au for more information on how to spot a scam.
How do you verify if a caller is actually who they say they are?
