The Federal Tax Credits Blog

Posts Tagged ‘opinion’

Question: Has anyone heard of “Gateway Grants” in Irvine, CA 49,500. for home buyers…first-time or otherwise?

Somehow, I got on a list (probably, of those considered to be easy marks) of self-employed business/money-making “opportunities.” This outfit offers to help intesested parties qualify for a grant to be used toward the “American Dream”, regardless of one’s credit. I think it is a scam, as they say they need $47.00 for an immediate processing fee. A Mr. Harvey Winston, whose “signature” appears at the bottom of the letter(just above his disclaimer that this is not a scam) says that every month, 17,000 families receive 10% of the purchase price, up to $495,000., for the downpayment on homes of their own. They do NOT have to be first-time home owners. I already own my home, but this could really rope some people in who could be ruined financially. Should I report them to BBB? Thanks LOTS!!!!!!!

Answer: I suggest you report them. That’s a scam — and there are a LOT of scammers operating in the “grant” arena. Afterall, there are a lot of gullible people who actually want to believe the free money is available for them through these so-called grants.

Real grants and grant giving organizations (both government and private foundations) do not ask for money for processing fees. That’s a sure sign of a scam

The government has already issued warnings against these scammers. You may want to read the warnings FTC has issued against these “grant” companies:

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/03/grantresources.htm

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt134.htm

Here is also one of the warnings issued by the Better Business Bureau http://www.concord.bbb.org/tips_timesharescams.html

Report them.

IRS scam involved tax credit

WORCESTER – A Southbridge man has been indicted in federal court on charges of filing fraudulent income tax returns that resulted in more than $500,000 in losses to the government.

Being a puppet: “That’s what I get paid for” BAC recording 6/13/09

If it feels like your tax refund’s poky, you’re not alone

At a time when many people need their refunds to pay the bills, some taxpayers’ federal tax refunds have been delayed. Here are some reasons.

Forensic Loan Audit