This is a transcription of claim I just filed with the FTC:
On September 21 I was contacted by Natalie Jimmes (Rep. ID # 556PM) from Advantage America. She claimed to be working for the US government and that I had been awarded a grant. As I have been consolidating loans to return to college I at first thought nothing of it when she asked for my social security number. She then asked for a checking account number, at which point I asked her to call again in two days.
On 09/23 she called again. I had completed some research online which suggested that this was a scam. I asked her several questions which she could not answer although, I got her to give a website. Www.advantageamericabenefits.com The website provides no contact information. I asked not to be called again.
On September 25 I was again called, with the same pitch. The rep continually assured me that she had all my information, though she could not answer specific questions regarding said info. This time she told me that the checking account number was only needed for verification purposes. I asked not to be called again and to please take me off any list, de-list me.
I was then called on September 26, the next day, three seperate times. The final call, with Natalie Jimmes, included the woman telling me that I was stupid, un-american, and crazy. I informed her that I would be reporting both Advantage America and her personally to the FTC. At which point she denied working for Advantage Americ, even though that is how she introduced herself when she called.
The claim is that I have been awarded a $12,500 grant (although I have not applied for one) and if I simply give me checking account number they can 'process' this grant money for me. When asked, on several occasions, if this would cost me anything, the answer was 'no.' And then she would again ask for my checking acct. Number and say there was a small 50.00 dollar fee.
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