Local Consumers Warned Of Stimulus Scams

Every other week there seems to be talk of a new economic stimulus program to help taxpayers.

Local, state and federal government officials are crafting various plans geared to boosting the economy and getting people back to work.

In Hernando County, where the unemployment rate was 12.4 percent in January, offers of easy money can be tempting.

Now comes word that a few unscrupulous con artists are taking advantage of "stimulus fever" and have launched scams - one of which happened in Florida.

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson is warning residents not to fall for scams involving federal government stimulus dollars.

Numerous scams are surfacing, some attempting identity theft and others seeking an "advance fee" payment.

Consumers are being spammed with e-mails promising stimulus money grants or offering to help them qualify for stimulus funds.

One e-mail claims, "Congratulations! You've been selected to receive a FREE Stimulus Check in the amount of $613.27!"

Consumers are asked to provide their bank account numbers and other personal information in order for the money to be deposited into their accounts. But instead, con artists drain people's accounts or steal their identities.

In some cases consumers are told they must pay an advance fee for a grant or that they can obtain a list of economic stimulus grants for a fee. The e-mail requires the consumer to send a cashier's check or requests the consumer's credit card information.

"It's clear that criminals are preying on the public's desperation and using the stimulus plan to con people out of their hard-earned money," Bronson said in a prepared statement. "They should just delete these e-mails as quickly as possible and understand that the federal government is not providing stimulus money over the Internet."

Bronson stressed the government does not charge people to apply for grants and information about grant programs is provided for free.

Anyone who thinks they may have already been victimized should report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.FTC.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.

Sgt. Jim Powers of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office said he has not had any reports of a stimulus scam worked locally.

He advises people to be wary of phone calls or e-mails claiming any kind of winnings. He suggests people thoroughly check out the company and get a contact number to verify legitimacy.

The sheriff's office also has a link on its Web site where people can check out potential fraudulent offers. Visit www.hernandosheriff.org/Fraud/ or call the Hernando County Sheriff's Office at 754-6830.