Another one (scam?)

[tloonya]

Scam?
www.federalfundingprograms.org/?hop=crecer

[NancysSummerSip]

Sounds too good to be true, even with the .org after it. But let's see if anyone else has heard of this one.

[Opti]

.org just means it is an organization. Scammers use names that sound like they might be legit, to trap people.

answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090419171514AAU8qjF

One answer on OP's URL.

[ken a.k.a OMK]

I'm not going to click on the link because what's after the .org looks suspicious.

[NoNamePerson]

Go for it!!


www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0113-government-grant-scams

[Deleted]

"One time fee of $19.95"

Scam

[tloonya]

Jan 21, 2016 10:56:11 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

"One time fee of $19.95"

Scam

It says only if you get the grant. Otherwise money back guarantee.

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 21, 2016 11:08:33 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Jan 21, 2016 10:56:11 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

"One time fee of $19.95"

Scam

It says only if you get the grant. Otherwise money back guarantee.

From the link I posted. You might want to read it. 

www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0113-government-grant-scams 

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.

Hey, but what the heck just send in your money and go for it  

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2016 11:08:33 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Jan 21, 2016 10:56:11 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

"One time fee of $19.95"

Scam

It says only if you get the grant. Otherwise money back guarantee.

Good luck actually getting the money back. By the time they deduct postage and handling and processing etc etc etc...

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 21, 2016 11:12:53 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

Jan 21, 2016 11:08:33 GMT -5 tloonya said:

It says only if you get the grant. Otherwise money back guarantee.

Good luck actually getting the money back. By the time they deduct postage and handling and processing etc etc etc...

Not to mention that they now have all her personal information  

[kittensaver]

Scam. I manage government grants and contracts for a non-profit. The gov't doesn't just "hand out" money - you need to sign up at the federal government's contractor website (www.sam.gov, check it out) in order to become a government contractor - meaning, once your are cleared by SAM you can bid directly for government-funded projects OR you are eligible to bid on federal HHS and social service grants.

These folks are taking your money (and collecting your personal info! ) to steer you toward programs that "might" be out there. Skip the middle man and go right to the program if you are in some kind of need.

[Tennesseer]

usacomplaints.com/miscellaneous/348953-federal-funding-programs-goldstar-media-complaints-reviews.html



usacomplaints.com/complaints-reviews/offender/Goldstar+Media/

[tloonya]

Jan 21, 2016 11:23:44 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

Scam. I manage government grants and contracts for a non-profit. The gov't doesn't just "hand out" money - you need to sign up at the federal government's contractor website (www.sam.gov, check it out) in order to become a government contractor - meaning, once your are cleared by SAM you can bid directly for government-funded projects OR you are eligible to bid on federal HHS and social service grants.

These folks are taking your money (and collecting your personal info! ) to steer you toward programs that "might" be out there. Skip the middle man and go right to the program if you are in some kind of need.

Thanks. What does it mean bid on grants?

[tloonya]

Jan 21, 2016 11:48:09 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

usacomplaints.com/miscellaneous/348953-federal-funding-programs-goldstar-media-complaints-reviews.html



usacomplaints.com/complaints-reviews/offender/Goldstar+Media/

How did you find this?

[Deleted]

You can pretty much bank on anything emailed to you offering you money is a scam.  Just delete and move on.

[Tiny]

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.

But, But, But.... you pay for 'free' stuff all the time! $99.00 for Amazon Prime gets you "free shipping" (ok and a bunch of other stuff... but it's marketed as "free shipping" for $99!

And then there's all the stuff "As seen on TV" - you can get a second Gadget for FREE! just pay the shipping...

It's ok to pay for free stuff!!!

[tloonya]

Jan 21, 2016 11:23:44 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

Scam. I manage government grants and contracts for a non-profit. The gov't doesn't just "hand out" money - you need to sign up at the federal government's contractor website (www.sam.gov, check it out) in order to become a government contractor - meaning, once your are cleared by SAM you can bid directly for government-funded projects OR you are eligible to bid on federal HHS and social service grants.

These folks are taking your money (and collecting your personal info! ) to steer you toward programs that "might" be out there. Skip the middle man and go right to the program if you are in some kind of need.

How do you use that website? Just type 'grant' in search?

Ok, I had typed HHS and got this
Name: TFOM HHS GROUP, JV
Doing Business As: TFOM HHS Group
Business Type: Business or Organization
POC Name: Terry Christopher
Registration Status: Active
Activation Date: 08/04/2015
Expiration Date: 08/03/2016

And nothing else. No info about what kind, to whom and how to apply.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Jan 21, 2016 11:08:33 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Jan 21, 2016 10:56:11 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

"One time fee of $19.95"

Scam

It says only if you get the grant. Otherwise money back guarantee.

Why do you think that things like this are legitimate?  If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Oh, and I've submitted a LOT of grants, you don't pay anything to submit a grant.  That alone should tell you something.

[kittensaver]

Jan 21, 2016 13:14:48 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Jan 21, 2016 11:08:33 GMT -5 tloonya said:

It says only if you get the grant. Otherwise money back guarantee.

Why do you think that things like this are legitimate?  If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Oh, and I've submitted a LOT of grants, you don't pay anything to submit a grant.  That alone should tell you something.

[mmhmm]

A really good rule of thumb for internet transactions of this sort: Never, never, never bite on anything that asks for a "small fee" upfront. Just don't do it. Ever.

[kittensaver]

Jan 21, 2016 12:16:44 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Jan 21, 2016 11:23:44 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

Scam. I manage government grants and contracts for a non-profit. The gov't doesn't just "hand out" money - you need to sign up at the federal government's contractor website (www.sam.gov, check it out) in order to become a government contractor - meaning, once your are cleared by SAM you can bid directly for government-funded projects OR you are eligible to bid on federal HHS and social service grants.

These folks are taking your money (and collecting your personal info! ) to steer you toward programs that "might" be out there. Skip the middle man and go right to the program if you are in some kind of need.

How do you use that website? Just type 'grant' in search?

Ok, I had typed HHS and got this
Name: TFOM HHS GROUP, JV
Doing Business As: TFOM HHS Group
Business Type: Business or Organization
POC Name: Terry Christopher
Registration Status: Active
Activation Date: 08/04/2015
Expiration Date: 08/03/2016

And nothing else. No info about what kind, to whom and how to apply.

No. You use this website to look up the existence of/legitimacy of government contractors. So plug in this organization's information and see what you get.

Grants.gov is the place where legitimate organizations go to find services the government is releasing for public bidding by vetted and approved contractors (i.e., the folks registered over on the SAM website).

I agree 100% with The Walk of the Penguin Mich that no one should EVER pay to apply for a grant. In some circles, that could even be considered to be bribery! [as in, paying a fee to some to get consideration for your proposal].

If you need money for a legitimate reason, go to the federal government's Department of Health and Human Services website. A little searching will point you toward the types of for-profit and non-profit organizations nationwide that accept government grants for distribution to persons in need. The site will also steer you toward federal resources that "come down" to your State.

If you are just looking for "free money" - well, it doesn't exist; and if you choose to pay someone to pursue it, then you will get what you deserve (unfortunately). Sorry if I sound harsh, but it's true.

[gregintenn]

Jan 21, 2016 13:28:24 GMT -5 mmhmm said:

A really good rule of thumb for internet transactions of this sort: Never, never, never bite on anything that asks for a "small fee" upfront. Just don't do it. Ever.

So you're saying the check that Nigerian Prince sent me really didn't just get lost in the mail?

[kittensaver]

Jan 21, 2016 13:34:55 GMT -5 gregintenn said:

Jan 21, 2016 13:28:24 GMT -5 mmhmm said:

A really good rule of thumb for internet transactions of this sort: Never, never, never bite on anything that asks for a "small fee" upfront. Just don't do it. Ever.

So you're saying the check that Nigerian Prince sent me really didn't just get lost in the mail?

[tloonya]

Jan 21, 2016 13:32:11 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

Jan 21, 2016 12:16:44 GMT -5 tloonya said:

How do you use that website? Just type 'grant' in search?

Ok, I had typed HHS and got this
Name: TFOM HHS GROUP, JV
Doing Business As: TFOM HHS Group
Business Type: Business or Organization
POC Name: Terry Christopher
Registration Status: Active
Activation Date: 08/04/2015
Expiration Date: 08/03/2016

And nothing else. No info about what kind, to whom and how to apply.

No. You use this website to look up the existence of/legitimacy of government contractors. So plug in this organization's information and see what you get.

I agree 100% with The Walk of the Penguin Mich that no one should EVER pay to apply for a grant. In some circles, that could even be considered to be bribery! [as in, paying a fee to some to get consideration for your proposal].

If you need money for a legitimate reason, go to the federal government's Department of Health and Human Services website. A little searching will point you toward the types of for-profit and non-profit organizations nationwide that accept government grants for distribution to persons in need. The site will also steer you toward federal resources that "come down" to your State.

If you are just looking for "free money" - well, it doesn't exist; and if you choose to pay someone to pursue it, then you will get what you deserve (unfortunately). Sorry if I sound harsh, but it's true.

Thanks again.
Ok, I went registered my business and waiting to receive DUN number to be able to register as sam.gov as entity. I am assuming after that I will be able to apply for some grant for small business?

[kittensaver]

Jan 21, 2016 13:41:02 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Jan 21, 2016 13:32:11 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

No. You use this website to look up the existence of/legitimacy of government contractors. So plug in this organization's information and see what you get.

I agree 100% with The Walk of the Penguin Mich that no one should EVER pay to apply for a grant. In some circles, that could even be considered to be bribery! [as in, paying a fee to some to get consideration for your proposal].

If you need money for a legitimate reason, go to the federal government's Department of Health and Human Services website. A little searching will point you toward the types of for-profit and non-profit organizations nationwide that accept government grants for distribution to persons in need. The site will also steer you toward federal resources that "come down" to your State.

If you are just looking for "free money" - well, it doesn't exist; and if you choose to pay someone to pursue it, then you will get what you deserve (unfortunately). Sorry if I sound harsh, but it's true.

Thanks again.
Ok, I went registered my business and waiting to receive DUN number to be able to register as sam.gov as entity. I am assuming after that I will be able to apply for some grant for small business?

Yes. But that is not the only way. Again, federal money often "comes down" to the States - especially for business development. You should also research your local employment development department, the SBA (small business administration) in your city, county or state, and your local chambers of commerce. These are all excellent resources for small business loans and grants.

Good luck to you.

[tloonya]

Jan 21, 2016 13:44:06 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

Jan 21, 2016 13:41:02 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Thanks again.
Ok, I went registered my business and waiting to receive DUN number to be able to register as sam.gov as entity. I am assuming after that I will be able to apply for some grant for small business?

Yes. But that is not the only way. Again, federal money often "comes down" to the States - especially for business development. You should also research your local employment development department, the SBA (small business administration) in your city, county or state, and your local chambers of commerce. These are all excellent resources for small business loans and grants.

Good luck to you.

You've opened world to me!
I have just left a message for my SBA local office.
Hope to get a word back.
Going to try chamber of commerce.

Have you ever heard about anyone actually getting funded like my business?
It seems like they have more of a research labs and institutions in their interest.
Again thanks so much.

[tloonya]

Jan 21, 2016 14:24:50 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Jan 21, 2016 13:44:06 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

Yes. But that is not the only way. Again, federal money often "comes down" to the States - especially for business development. You should also research your local employment development department, the SBA (small business administration) in your city, county or state, and your local chambers of commerce. These are all excellent resources for small business loans and grants.

Good luck to you.

You've opened world to me!
I have just left a message for my SBA local office.
Hope to get a word back.
Going to try chamber of commerce.

Have you ever heard about anyone actually getting funded like my business?
It seems like they have more of a research labs and institutions in their interest.
Again thanks so much.

one more.
When you saying SBA (small business administration) in your city, county or state
do you mean I need to contact
SBA of Philadelphia
and
SBA of PA or these are the same?
Thanks

[kittensaver]

Jan 21, 2016 14:24:50 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Jan 21, 2016 13:44:06 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

Yes. But that is not the only way. Again, federal money often "comes down" to the States - especially for business development. You should also research your local employment development department, the SBA (small business administration) in your city, county or state, and your local chambers of commerce. These are all excellent resources for small business loans and grants.

Good luck to you.

You've opened world to me!
I have just left a message for my SBA local office.
Hope to get a word back.
Going to try chamber of commerce.

Have you ever heard about anyone actually getting funded like my business?
It seems like they have more of a research labs and institutions in their interest.
Again thanks so much.

I have heard of several businesses like yours getting funded by local and regional organizations who take federal dollars to help business development in their communities (for example, the SBA). Several of those connections were made through participation in the local chamber of commerce, where small business owners go to connect with each other, share resources and find solutions to common problems. BUT be prepared to put some time and energy into being an active and valuable chamber member. Chambers are not government entities; they are local business people banding together to enhance their businesses (and their communities).

Most of the grants on grants.gov are for large corporations who have the resources and infrastructure to take on large projects that the government puts "out to bid." For example: universities, large non-profits, hospitals, research facilities, aerospace development (Boeing has to re-bid every few years to keep making planes purchased by the government), infrastructure development (roads, bridges), stuff like that.

It would not be totally out of the realm of possibility for a small business like yours to "get" something you bid on at grants.gov. But frankly, it is unlikely. You are much better off "tapping" government money through the SBA or other regional business services providers. Hope it works out for you! Let us know how it goes?

[kittensaver]

Jan 21, 2016 14:32:12 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Jan 21, 2016 14:24:50 GMT -5 tloonya said:

You've opened world to me!
I have just left a message for my SBA local office.
Hope to get a word back.
Going to try chamber of commerce.

Have you ever heard about anyone actually getting funded like my business?
It seems like they have more of a research labs and institutions in their interest.
Again thanks so much.

one more.
When you saying SBA (small business administration) in your city, county or state
do you mean I need to contact
SBA of Philadelphia
and
SBA of PA or these are the same?
Thanks

They could be the same. They could be different. I don't know your State. It is something you need to research and figure out.

[Tennesseer]

Jan 21, 2016 11:56:21 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Jan 21, 2016 11:48:09 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

usacomplaints.com/miscellaneous/348953-federal-funding-programs-goldstar-media-complaints-reviews.html



usacomplaints.com/complaints-reviews/offender/Goldstar+Media/

How did you find this?

I Googled federal funding programs and looked for complaints against them.