On Dec. 18 about 8pm central time, I was called by a "Franklin D. Jone", then I said "Jones"? And he said yes. He stated (with a very thick Asian accent) that I had been selected to receive a govt. Grant ranging from $8,000.00 to $25,000.
"Franklin" told me that I would never have to pay the grant back and then asked If I was over 18 years of age and a tax payer with a bank account. I answered yes and he continued.
He repeated himself numerous times the fact that I would never have to repay the grant. He asked if I new what a grant was and if I have ever had one. I said yes, when I went to school.
He said that for a small $257.00 charge (that I could pay anytime) would be charged for the service.
He then rattled off numerous banking institutions and asked which one I was used. I told him that I did not use a bank rather a Credit Union instead. He then asked which one and I (begrudgingly) told me. At some point he stated that the credit union was in my town, but it wasn't.
Then to my amasement, he told me to look at my checkbook as he told me the routing number. He wanted me to confirm the number and fortunately my wife had the checkbook in her purse as I was pushing the grocery basket through the store.
I told him that I would nether confrim nor deny the routing number and asked how he knew the routing number. He told me that this company was a "legitimate" company and had been in business for 6 years and could not would not be in business if they were not legitimate.
He kept on trying to get me confirm the routing number, still. Then he went on to ask for the next set of numbers (account number). I told him that I would not give him those numbers as this sounded too much like a scam. He tried to convince me to the contrary but to no avail.
He then tried to tell me that no one could take those two sets of numbers (as well as someone you write a check to) and take any money unless I authorized it. I then asked him why we always here of scams like this and how some scams have bogus checks made with the same bank info and so on.
By this time my wife was getting really upset with me for continuing the conversation, but it did intrigue me as to how he had the routing number. But I guess that could be available.
Ultimately, I would not, he got mad and told me that he had spent too much time with me on long distance (in fact if he were not a legit company why would he do that he asked) and that if I could not understand what he was offering, then I was not thinking right. He also made some remark as to my mind not being right. He then told me that I would never be able to sign up for a government grant because I would not do this.
He then hung up. Long story, but after this, I hope we can do someting to get this company and all the "Franklins".
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