On or about July 10th I received an unsolicited telephone call from a gentleman identifying himself with USA Grants, Inc. Located in Las Vegas, NV. He commenced telling me all about the BBB and how they had been approved, ect., ect, ect. This call was directly to my office whereas I own a successful small manufacturing business and have for 20 years now. I listened to his pitch only because anyone offering "free" grant money for your business is likely to listen for few minutes anyway.
I however reluctantly gave him a little information about the company and yes we could really use $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 for an expansion, especially during these economic trying times. The then told me our business profile fit the criteria and they could without a doubt find available grant money for our business. Within 10 minutes he practically guaranteed around & $700,000.00. THEN comes the part where he says they could get started right away and there fee was $7,500.00 and by me be sending a check for $3,750.00 they could get started immediately and I should have at least $100,000.00 within about 60 days plus or minus. (now it really starts to get good).
I told him I was born at night however, it wasn't last night. Further, I was going to research them to find a little more about them. Then he says yes they previously had a few complaints with the BBB however they were resolved. (I checked the BBB in Las Vegas by telephone and determined they all are not resolved). He further invited me to check the FTC and let me do my research and he would call me back in 2-3 days.
Three days later he called to tell me he had confirmed we defiantly qualified and we could easily get the money. All they needed was the $3,750.00 to get started and the balance when we received the funding. I then started siting some of the complaint research I had found and he acted pretty surprised sating he will have to look into that and get back to me.
I then offered a solution whereas we might all be satisfied. I implied you are offering a service for a fee. It is not unusual and as a token of good faith when someone offers a service to be provided you do so "in part" before funds are exchanged.in addition I suggested if USA Grants is so certain with such high confidence you have sold on behalf of USA Grants, and you can get this company hundreds of thousands of dollars, your would be a fool not to do so in exchange for the balance of $7,500.00. L even suggested our money be placed in escrow until the start of grant funding then with 1/2 be paid to USA Grants and the balance paid once this company received all funds. This gentleman began "heee hawing" like you wouldn't believe. I then boldly said if you and USA Grants are as confident as you continued to sell yourself on, only a fool would not jump on this. You provide a service, we will provide the fee for your service.
He said he would discuss this with his boss and get back to me toe following day. I have NEVER heard a word back from this company. Anyone of any intelligence level can easily draw the conclusion this is just another SCAM that should not be allowed to operate.
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