When money is tight, an offer of “free government money” can sound like a lifeline. Scammers know this and target people who are searching for help. Knowing a few simple rules can protect your money and your identity.
Golden rules
- Real government benefits are free to apply for. Anyone who charges a fee to “unlock” or “speed up” help is not legitimate.
- Government agencies and utilities never demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app.
- If someone contacts you first and pressures you to act right now, stop and verify.
Common scams aimed at people seeking help
“Free government grants”
A call, text, email or social media message says you have been selected for a grant for bills, rent or a business, but you must first pay a processing fee or share your bank information. Federal agencies do not randomly award grants to individuals this way.
Free phone or internet offers
The real Lifeline program provides discounted service through approved providers, but scammers sell fake “Obama phone” signups, ask for fees or collect your Social Security number. Apply only through the official National Verifier or a provider listed there. See our Lifeline guide.
Utility shutoff threats
A caller claims to be from your utility and says your power will be cut off within the hour unless you pay by gift card or an app. Hang up, find the number on your actual bill and call that number.
Housing voucher and rental scams
Someone offers to move you up a housing waiting list for a fee, or lists a rental at a suspiciously low price and asks you to send a deposit before you see the unit. Housing authorities never charge to apply. Never pay a deposit for a rental you have not seen in person.
Fake benefit texts and “EBT” phishing
Messages claiming your SNAP or EBT account is suspended, or that you owe money, often include a link to a lookalike website that steals your card number or login. Do not click. Contact your state agency using a number from its official website.
“Application help” sites that charge
Some websites look official but charge you to fill out forms that are free on the official agency site. Look at the web address carefully, and see the checks below.
How to check that a program is real
- Look for .gov. Federal and state agencies use addresses ending in .gov. Nonprofits generally use .org, but anyone can register a .org, so verify before you share personal details.
- Find the program yourself. Search for the program name and go to the agency’s own site, rather than clicking a link in a message you did not expect.
- Call a number you looked up. Use the phone number on an official website, your bill or the back of your card.
- Ask 211. Dial 211 to confirm whether a program or organization is legitimate.
- Use the USAGov Benefit Finder. The government’s Benefit Finder helps you find real programs you may qualify for.
Protect your information
- Do not give your Social Security number, bank account or EBT card number to anyone who contacted you first.
- Be wary of anyone who asks you to keep the offer secret or tells you that you will lose the opportunity if you do not act now.
- Use strong, different passwords for benefit portals and turn on two-step verification when offered.
- Shred documents with account numbers and check your statements regularly.
If you think you were scammed
- Stop contact with the scammer and do not send more money.
- Contact your bank or card company right away to try to stop or reverse payments, and ask about freezing or replacing accounts.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and to your state attorney general.
- If your identity was exposed, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personal recovery plan.
- If your EBT card or benefits were affected, contact your state SNAP agency immediately.
Being scammed is not a sign of foolishness. These operations are professional and persuasive. Reporting them helps protect others.