just received a call from this number, it was a recording about lowering the APR on a credit card, but didnt say the name of the company.
Im in california. sounds like a scam

Calling and hanging up on me.

Of course freecreditreport.com is not free - it is stated clearly in all their commercials AND on their website homepage.

Their website even refers you to REAL FREE credit report site www.annualcreditreport.com


Government Grant Scams
Although government grant scams have been around almost as long as the government itself, the majority of the sites being advertised today didn't exist before the November 2008 election.

The "free money" scam has been around almost as long as the human species.

It has more variations than a bulldog has wrinkles but you can count on one thing: the government (any government) does not simply give money away to individuals. Anyone who tells you differently has larceny in his heart.

If you give him your bank account number, he will soon have your funds in his pocket.

It does no good to list all of the names used by these bunko artists because a.) they change all the time and b.) every single free-money government-grant offer is a scam. Period.

In one e-book, The Truth Behind Government Grants Exposed, the author (whoever he or it might be) admits that grants are not easy to get. The e-book goes so far as to say, "Now, I know what you must be thinking, but don't be discouraged because understanding that you do not qualify for the majority of Federal and Private Grants is the first step to actually getting a grant."

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/grant_scam_ads.html
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/scam_alerts/grant.html
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/ftc_stimulus_scam.html

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION WEBSITE      
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt134.shtm

?Free Government Grants?: Don?t Take Them For Grant-ed
?Because you pay your income taxes on time, you have been awarded a free $12,500 government grant! To get your grant, simply give us your checking account information, and we will direct-deposit the grant into your bank account!?
Sometimes, it?s an ad that claims you will qualify to receive a ?free grant? to pay for education costs, home repairs, home business expenses, or unpaid bills. Other times, it?s a phone call supposedly from a ?government? agency or some other organization with an official sounding name. In either case, the claim is the same: your application for a grant is guaranteed to be accepted, and you?ll never have to pay the money back.
But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation?s consumer protection agency, says that ?money for nothing? grant offers usually are scams, whether you see them in your local paper or a national magazine, or hear about them on the phone.
Some scam artists advertise ?free grants? in the classifieds, inviting readers to call a toll-free number for more information. Others are more bold: they call you out of the blue. They lie about where they?re calling from, or they claim legitimacy using an official-sounding name like the ?Federal Grants Administration.? They may ask you some basic questions to determine if you ?qualify? to receive a grant. FTC attorneys say calls and come-ons for free money invariably are rip offs.
Grant scammers generally follow a script: they congratulate you on your eligibility, then ask for your checking account information so they can ?deposit your grant directly into your account,? or cover a one-time ?processing fee.? The caller may even reassure you that you can get a refund if you?re not satisfied. In fact, you?ll never see the grant they promise; they will disappear with your money.
The FTC says following a few basic rules can keep consumers from losing money to these ?government grant? scams:
    Don?t give out your bank account information to anyone you don?t know. Scammers pressure people to divulge their bank account information so that they can steal the money in the account. Always keep your bank account information confidential. Don?t share it unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary.
    Don?t pay any money for a ?free? government grant. If you have to pay money to claim a ?free? government grant, it isn?t really free. A real government agency won?t ask you to pay a processing fee for a grant that you have already been awarded ? or to pay for a list of grant-making institutions. The names of agencies and foundations that award grants are available for free at any public library or on the Internet. The only official access point for all federal grant-making agencies is www.grants.gov.
    Look-alikes aren?t the real thing. Just because the caller says he?s from the ?Federal Grants Administration? doesn?t mean that he is. There is no such government agency. Take a moment to check the blue pages in your telephone directory to bear out your hunch ? or not.
    Phone numbers can deceive. Some con artists use Internet technology to disguise their area code in caller ID systems. Although it may look like they?re calling from Washington, DC, they could be calling from anywhere in the world.
    Take control of the calls you receive. If you want to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive, place your telephone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. To register online, visit www.donotcall.gov. To register by phone, call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone number you wish to register.
    File a complaint with the FTC. If you think you may have been a victim of a government grant scam, file a complaint with the FTC online at www.ftc.gov, or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
September 2006


Feds: Scammers Falsely "Guaranteed" Government Grants
Court halts operators' deceptive pitches for grant writing book and services


By James Limbach
ConsumerAffairs.com
July 24, 2009

A federal judge has stopped an operation from falsely claiming that it could help consumers secure a "$25,000 Grant" -- guaranteed -- from the U.S. government.
The case is part of a Federal Trade Commission crackdown on scammers trying to capitalize on the economic downturn by targeting people facing financial hardship.
In the complaint the FTC, jointly with the attorneys general of Kansas, Minnesota, and North Carolina, charged that Grant Writers Institute, LLC and its related entities (together, GWI) falsely told consumers that they were eligible for grants as part of the recently announced economic stimulus package .
According to the complaint, the false and deceptive claims by GWI violate federal law, state consumer protection laws, and the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule. The complaint seeks a court order permanently stopping the defendants' illegal conduct and forcing them to return money to consumers injured by the scheme.
"Stamping out grant fraud and other types of schemes that take advantage of consumers in dire financial shape continues to be one of the Federal Trade Commission's highest priorities," said David Vladeck, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. "There is no such thing as a guaranteed grant. But to consumers in financial trouble, the chance for extra income -- guaranteed or otherwise -- can unfortunately be a huge draw."
The FTC says since at least 2007, GWI has mass mailed postcards to consumers across the country falsely claiming that the consumers "are Guaranteed a $25,000 Grant from the U.S. Government." Consumers who call the number are pitched a $59 book titled "Professional Grant Writer 'The Definitive Guide to Grant Writing Success.'"
The company's telemarketers falsely claim that the book will explain how to get government grants  -- including the "guaranteed" $25,000 grant. GWI and its North Carolina-based telemarketers, also named as defendants in the complaint, then call consumers who have bought the book, trying to get them to pay hundreds of dollars or more for grant research, writing, or coaching services, falsely claiming a 70 percent success rate in securing grant funding.
In reality, few, if any consumers ever receive any grant money.
The Commission contends that in addition to falsely claiming consumers were "guaranteed" to receive grants, GWI used the current government stimulus package to make its pitch. For example, when consumers called the number on the mass-mailed postcard, they heard a recording that said, "If you've been reading the papers you know that recently our government released $700 billion into the private sector. What you probably don't know is that there is another $300 billion that must be given away this year to people just like you."
The recording continues, "And if you're one of the lucky few who knows how to find and apply for these grants, you will receive a check for $25,000 or more, and we guarantee it . . . If you don't get a check for $25,000 or more, you pay nothing."
The following were named as defendants:
? Affiliate Strategies, Inc.;
? Landmark Publishing Group, LLC (d/b/a G.F. Institute and Grant Funding Institute);
? Grant Writers Institute, LLC;
? Answer Customers, LLC;
? Apex Holdings International, LLC;
? Brett Blackman, individually and as an officer, manager, and/or member of Affiliate Strategies, Inc., Landmark Publishing Group, LLC, Grant Writers Institute, LLC, Answer Customers, LLC, and Apex Holdings International, LLC;
? Jordan Sevy, individually and as a manager of Landmark Publishing Group, LLC;
? James Rulison, individually and as president of Answer Customers, LLC, all located in Kansas.
The complaint also names the following North Carolina entities as defendants:
? Real Estate Buyers Financial Network LLC (d/b/a Grant Writers Research Network);
? Martin Nossov, individually and as a manager and member of Real Estate Buyers Financial Network LLC; and
? Alicia Nossov, individually and as a manager and member of Real Estate Buyers Financial Network LLC.



Read more: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/07 ... l#ixzz0NENGCoRV


    Government Grant Scam Hits Ohio
Tried and true scheme is making the rounds again



    By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.Com
July 26, 2010

The "government grant scam" is one of the oldest tricks in the
schemer's book. But that doesn't mean it isn't still very effective.
The scam, in which victims are promised "free" money from the government, has shown up recently in Ohio.
"Since early June, my office has received more than a dozen reports of Ohioans who were targeted by scammers posing as grant officers," Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray said. "Many of the calls appear to originate in the 202 area code. This creates an illusion of legitimacy because 202 is a Washington D.C. area code."
The reported scams are reaching consumers through phone calls, e-mails and letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service. All use the term "grant" and most require the recipient to pay a percentage upfront before acquiring the "free" money.
"Scammers are targeting Ohioans who are in a weakened position. It's an approach that preys upon the desperation and hope of struggling individuals, and it is reprehensible," Cordray said.

Cordray offers the following tips to avoid the "grant" scams:
? Be wary of mailings that appear to be from federal, state or other governmental agencies. Don't assume that a letter or postcard is actually from the government just because it uses words such as "federal," "stimulus package" or "grant." Even if the sender's name sounds official or legitimate, the originator might be phony.
? To determine if a letter, e-mail message or service is really from the government, contact the government agency in question from a number you know to be correct. For example, log onto the agency's actual Web site, such as www.irs.gov, and use a phone number or e-mail address suggested on the site.
? NEVER send money to a stranger through a wire transfer service. Don't trust requests for advance fees or upfront payment.
Because of the recent bank bailout activity by the Federal Reserve, many scammers claim that new laws also provide little-publicized funds for individuals. No such laws exist.
Some scam ads feature a picture of President Obama, or say that Obama is providing federal money to individuals for certain uses. That's not true. Much paperwork is required to receive any government grant.

A foreign woman called stating the government wanted to give me a $7,000.00 grant simply because I paid my bills on time??? what?  Then she stated that all she needed was my checking account number!!!

I recently ordered my credit report online from freecreditreport.com (which isn't free, btw) and that's the only way I can think of they got my number and my ?possible credit history?????

Who do you file a claim with about these people?

I received a call from "Debt Sucs" 1-978-570-2052 last night.  It was a recording going on about reducing my debt and to speak to a representative press #1.  I just wanted them to take me off of their phone list.  So I pressed #1.  A lady came on the phone and asked how could she help reduce my debt.  I replied I would like you to take me off of your phone list.  She said OK what is your phone number?  I said, you just called me.  You should know it.  She replied, it was an automated phone call but since you're being such an a$$ too bad.  Then hung up.  No doubt it's just a scam.  Be aware.

They called my cell # with a prerecorded message and you had to hit 1 to talk to someone about lowering your interest rate.  I hit 1 and told them never to call my cell # again (then they played dumb and pretended they didn't know what number I was calling from).

Yep, just called.  I'm in the Boston area so thought it might be legit, but no message left.

Most of these annoyances are Internet phone calls costing the ID Theft almost nothing to make, and the employee you get to talk to is on a great commission/reward if they can get a piece of your personal data...  

They have a great data base, and keep adding to your information file...  Some try to sell you a car warranty, others to collect an outstanding bill, others want to complete a survey to win a trip but what they are after is your name, bank account, credit card, address and most of all your social security number.  They use the phone sales, survey or bill collecting as a ruse to get more data to engineer your ID theft...  

If this criminal organization is able to get your information they can, and will sell your home out from under you, or place a large mortgage on your property...  Max your credit cards, and empty your bank account.

http://heatherwithaccountservices.com/

This link may have a several million complaints -
http://800notes.com/

Phone ringing again it is probably another ID thief (data miner) masquerading as a telemarketer calling my Cell Phone as this one did...

These scam artists are looking for older people & the gullible to fleece in the US, and other wealthy nations. These callers want to steal more than a few dollars for a car warranty, or a free trip to Mexico or Boston...  I believe these ID thief's actually have nothing to sell, and many of these off shore ID thief's are using a great amount of numbers from America and Canada's ?Do Not call List? as their prime phone directory...

I believe many of these ID mining calls are internet software phone calls, that are continually using fake numbers unrelated to the actual caller.  I have received calls from a Fire department in Ohio, Greengrocer in LA, and a Planned Parenthood phone number in Atlanta.  This week, I have a gotten phone calls from a dry cleaner in Michigan, several disconnected numbers and Chevy dealership in Fresno California.  This is all I needed to confirm more than 50% of the phone numbers used by telemarketrs are fake phone numbers used by their automated computer telephone dialing system...

This is no longer a local, or state wide problem, it is a national problem, the systematic fleecing of Americas & Canada's defenseless population, age related or the clue-less/gullible...

These con men are after bank accounts, social security numbers, address and account numbers! They want to sell you a fictions item, and gather your personal ID, so you will be penniless when you wake up the next day.

Every time you get a phone call record the number, and send a weekly written letter with all the numbers that have called you; please send this list to your State Attorney General, and both your congressional representative and Senator and please do not overlook your local Television investigation reporters.  

I do not believe anyone has a real understanding of the size of this illegal fraud, but I would guess there are very few people not receiving the car warranty calls, carpet cleaning, or winning a free trip, that is only the tip of of the problem. We need a special task force to stop this high tech destruction of our communications service moved from lip service to the front burner for some action.  Federal Law enforcement needs the tools and funding to take some action to stop this destruction of America & Canada's communication services, and stop the fleecing of our citizens.

I no longer have any patience, with these fraudulent companies.  The owners, principals and their stockholders need to be burned at the stake in the town square...  Their company & personal assets need to be seized and everything liquidated to reduce the taxpayers bailout obligations of other fat cat criminals courted by a few elected officials...

Wives, family members and relatives are responsible to make these law breakers stop violating the laws, if they want to protect the assets they enjoy, or hope to enjoy.

JR

They left amessage on my machine that something is wrong with my
credit card, but the Woman's message stated that if I wanted to get
a lower interest of 6.9%that I should press on no.1 and so on,but
everyone beware it's a scam and a ruse to get your personal info
then they will steal your ID and your Money....BEWARE EVERYONE!!!!

i missed the call thank god r i would have exploded on the one on the other end if there had been someone. I returned the call thinking it was of some importance but I got a busy signal everytime. But ive learned if i dont reconize the number i DONT answer. Thats what the voice mail is for.

Same thing: recive call from this number, I didnt answer, and when I call back the number was busy!

what city are you in I'm in Wichita Ks. I am calling the local police and District Attorney with this number. thanks

I live in kansas and just received a phone call from this number. no one on the line.  called back but it was busy.  12-5-08.

business phone -- no business in massashusets