Attorney General's News Release

July 22, 2004

Telemarketing scam uses government-grant offers to steal personal information, Attorney General warns

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon warns Missourians to beware of a new telemarketing scam designed to steal a person's financial information. Several consumers from around the state have contacted his office about calls telling them they have received or are eligible to receive a government grant. The caller asks consumers to give their bank account information to secure the grant.

“Consumer should never reveal their bank account number or other personal information over the phone,” Nixon says. “If you get a call asking for this type of information, hang up.”

Consumers who have reported this scam to the Attorney General say the telemarketers have used several business names, including Free U.S. Government Grants, Federal Government Grant Information Center, New Federal Government Grant Information, or another similar name. The telemarketer tells consumers the business is located in Florida.

“There is no legitimate government program that employs people to call consumers to offer grants. Government grants, including student financial aid, are available through an application process, not through telemarketers,” Nixon says.

Consumers who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or to fill out a complaint form.

Missourians can reduce the telemarketing calls they receive by signing up for the state No Call list, Nixon says. Complaints to the Attorney General's Office about telemarketing fraud dropped by two-thirds since the No Call law took effect in 2001. Aug. 1 is the deadline to sign up for the next quarterly update of the list. Those not already on the No Call list can sign up online or call toll-free 1-866-NO CALL 1 (1-866-662-2551). Complaints about No Call violations also should be directed to the Web site or that telephone number.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818