Dec 14, 2010
THIS IS A SCAM. This is a version of the advance-fee-for-a-loan scam, the only difference is it's a grant instead of a loan, as described here http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/telemarketing/tel16.shtm which states "It is illegal for companies doing business in the U.S. by phone to promise you a loan and ask you to pay for it before they deliver." They will want you to wire the money via Western Union (Moneygram, etc.) because wired-cash is irretrievable - once it's picked up at the other end, it's untraceable and the scammers will vanish on you. Report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx , the Federal Communications Commission http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm , the Federal Trade Commission https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ and your state AG.