# Free government grant scams, and how to spot them

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/guides/government-grant-scams/

> If someone contacts you to say you qualify for a free government grant, it is almost certainly a scam. Federal agencies do not call, text or message people to offer grants, and they never charge a fee to receive one. Real federal grants are listed on Grants.gov, and most go to organizations, not individuals for personal needs.

## How grant scams work

The pattern is old and still common. A call, text, social media message or ad says you have been selected for a government grant, or that you qualify because you pay your taxes on time. To receive the money, you need to pay a small fee, share your bank details, or buy gift cards. The grant never arrives, and the fee or the bank details are the point of the scam.

Some sites sell lists of "free money" or charge for help with grants that are free to apply for. Paying for advice is not illegal, but you never need to pay to find or apply for a federal grant.

## Signs an offer is fake

You were contacted first. Real agencies publish opportunities and wait for applications.

You are asked to pay. Real grants do not charge fees to release money.

The offer is personal money with no project. Federal grants fund specific work, and most go to organizations such as nonprofits, schools, governments and businesses.

There is urgency or secrecy: a short deadline to claim, or advice not to tell anyone.

## How to check a grant is real

Every federal grant opportunity is posted on Grants.gov, and every one on this site links to its official notice there. Search for the program by name or number. If you cannot find it on Grants.gov or the agency's own website, treat the offer as fake. Our list of [open federal grants](/grants/) is built from Grants.gov and updated daily.

## Questions people ask

### Does the government give free grants to individuals?

Not for personal expenses such as paying bills or buying a home. Federal money for individuals comes through benefits programs, student aid and specific fellowships, each with its own application. Offers of free personal grants are a common scam.

### Do I have to pay a fee to get a government grant?

No. Applying for a federal grant is free, and no real grant asks you to pay a processing fee, tax or deposit before you receive it.

### Where do I report a grant scam?

In the United States, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.