I applied online for a grant at Grants. Gov to start a small business. I received a call on a Thursday from Chisnell Williams saying I qualify for a small business grant in the amount of $80,000 and she asked me if I had a grant writer or if I would like for her to refer one to me. Of course I didn't have one and thinking that since this is comming from someone stating that they are from the Washington DC Grant Office, I accepted. She referred me to a company called Nexus Financial. She assured me that they were lagit and that I can go to the BBB web site and check them out for myself. After doing some research, I didn't see where there were any negative reports for the business so I called and left a message the next day. I received a call from Rick Allen with Nexus Financial out of Tampa, FL. He was extremely professional and explained the grant process to me. I had to pay the grant writer which I was aware of that because I had done this before. I had to get a cashier's check for $490.00. He was very specific about the contract # I was supposed to write on it and to make it to Candy Benson. Of course, I did that. He advised me to send it return receipt, which I did. I got the confirmation back that they got the check. So these scam artists at least had to receive mail! Unbelievable. My 9 page contract was due this week. I called all last week, and received one return call from Rick Allen and he told me that my package will be arriving in the mail via UPS or FedX between the dates of 12/12-12/16 and I still have not received the information. I have tried to get intouch with Mr. Allen to no avail. I never received any more return calls. It finally occurred to me to do more research and investigation into this and learned that I had been scammed. I am sick to my stomach. I hope these people get busted. $490 is A LOT of money to have someone rip you off. I am just angry that these people are still free to continue this con.
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