I just got a call back from the original guy who called me. While he told me his first name I will not use it here. He congratulated me on knowing his original call was a scam. He said he is working to feed his family and must say what his boss tells him to say and he told me he was glad that I recognized the scam.
I received the first call a few days ago. the caller told me that I had been randomly selected to receive an $8,400.00 grant from the U.S. Government Grant Department. I did not have to pay it back and I could use it for anything I chose, there were no use requirements.
I expressed my doubts and asked to have them send me an email. Then the supervisor got online and tried again. I said I was concerned it was a scam. He also refused to send an email and told me that the fastest way to get the money in my account was to give him my bank account number or credit card.
I tried to question him further even though his voice was getting louder. I said it sounded like a scam. Then he did yell at me and told me if I thought it was a scam to just hang up right now. So I did. Then I called the FBI who said it was a scam but they could not do anything about it because they were based in another country.
The man on the original call then called me back about 20 minutes later. He begged me to post online about this scam. He said he had no choice but to work for this man to keep his family from starving but he felt terrible about it. He pleaded with me to understand. And to make the scam public.
The FBI said the number that they used to call me was a cell phone that would be retired tomorrow. Apparently these folks only use a number for a day or so. That said, the number that called me had a D.C. prefix, (202) 666-7770.
I know everyone here can recognize a scam but I didn't know where else to post it. I must go out for an appointment but I will return later. Then I will re-post tomorrow earlier in the day. Be sure your friends and family, especially the oldsters, know about this scam. Thanks.