Last week I received a check in the mail for $4975. The letter with it stated that they had found a grant for me. This check was a small portion of the grant, and I needed to deposit/cash the check, load $3,500 onto a GreenDot Moneypak card, then go to their website and pay the "Commission" for them finding the grant. After they receive this money, they will overnight the second check. I apply for grants all the time, so that didn't phase me. This check was drawn on a Wells Fargo account. I called Wells Fargo to see if the account even exists. They confirm that it is an active good standing account and that the check will clear. I deposit the check into my account, draw out the $3,500 and do what it said to do. Well Thurday, I started to worry about it. I started looking online and find out that this is a scam. First thing this morning (Friday) I call GreenDot to see if the cash is still on the cards. All of it except $1,000 is there. I ask for a refund and they said they will mail a refund check and I will receive it in 5-7 business days. I then went to check my account. Check was returned and my account is negative $4,500. I call the bank to let them know what is going on, and to see if they can help. They tell me that they will help in any way they can, but I have to work out a payment arrangement with them or they will pursue legal action. I then called Wells Fargo to inquire. The guy tells me that the account was reported lost or stolen and closed this morning. I said well what are you going to do about this problem. He says there is nothing they can do. I told him that I called and verified that the account was good and funds were there, so they should honor it. I told him I know they got the check before today, and before today the account was still good so they should honor it. He says no we cant do that. I then call and file a police report. The officer told me that yes, indeed Wells Fargo should honor the check, and that since I have filed a police report my bank shouldn't take any action against me. Now I'm just stuck waiting to see what is going to happen. People stay clear of these people. The website is www.jqbank.com, but they also use www.grantchecks.com, www.beverlyhillsgrants.com, and www.grantoutlet.com. The "brokers" name is Ronnie Ellison. 3900 Cross Creek Road Malibu, CA. 90265. Other "brokers" listed on the site include... Ryan Hoffman, Lindsey Hoffman, Betty Petrovich, Dianna Smith, Nick Williams, A. Randall.
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