Country Unknown or Invalid Region
Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes
Initial means of contact Social media (e.g., Facebook)
The scammer messaged me through Instagram through the account of a dear friend. After inquiring about my wellbeing, the scammer told me the “COMMUNITY HUGH TRUST FOUNDATION” had drawn 70,000 names electronically and published the names and pictures of the winners, which included her (my friend) and I. She said that the winnings arrived on her doorstep and was wondering if I had got mine. Knowing that I had not entered any sweepstakes and did not post pictures of myself, I asked the scammer if they could tell me the color of my favorite jacket. The scammer said “Lol” and told me to be serious. I persisted and the scammer refused to answer. They instead texted me a link and refused to answer further messages. I did not touch the link as it looked fishy.
Victim Location 97836
Type of a scam Charity
I received text from a long time friend I have not seen or talked to in years. Saying Hi, and did I know about this grant from Community Hugh Trust Foundation. That she was told about it and contacted the agent and has received $148,000 at her door!! Also that I should text this phone number and see if I too was eligible.
At 1st I was skeptical then she said no no it’s legit, I checked it out with the bank too.
Then I realized that the push kept coming, the so called agent was pressing me with texts to fill out the necessary info. all personal of course. Even though I text my friend and said if this is real, give me a phone call back. This call never came.
Then I started looking online for scams, and decided that I was definitely in danger of being scammed. Fortunately I had not sent all my personal info. as of yet. I did send my email address and my full legal name though.
Type of a scam Government Grant
Friend request for Facebook Messenger from sister-in-law using her picture. Hadn’t heard from her in a while so accepted. Idle chatter about nothing. Then "have you heard about…" gov’t grant from Community Trust Hugh Foundation. Recognized it as a scam. Strung them along for a few hours – at least that is tying them up for a bit. Texted sister-in-law to change her FB password. Reported to FB. Looked on your map but it appears this one is new to BC. Warned my FB friends. Mentioned it to the RCMP.
Victim Location 44128
Total money lost $300
Type of a scam Government Grant
I received a call yesterday from a gentleman who said his name was Andrew Lucas and he was an agent for the Community Hugh Trust Foundation. He told me that I was eligible for a $200,000 grant. I only needed to pay $500 as a delivery fee and to send (3) $100 Amazon gift cards, then sending the information to Andrew Lucas. Today, he told me that I needed to complete all this within 2 hours to obtain the funds. I was sent a picture of a Fedex check in my name for $200,000. I purchased the (3) $100 Amazon gift cards and sent the numbers to Andrew Lucas. I then went to my bank to get an additional $500 to send a Moneygram to Andrew Lucas. I explained this to my Bank Manager and she told me it sounded like a scam. This is when I called the BBB.
Victim Location 70458
Type of a scam Counterfeit Product
Impersonated someone I know…and asked me for info…..per : Impostors Using Facebook for Grant Scams