Grant-Related Scams Thank you for your attention and OCS looks forward to continuing to provide high quality services to OCS grantees. Facebook Scam - Community Development Block Grant. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Yavapai County Sheriffs Office was contacted by a concerned citizen recently regarding a scam surrounding The Community Services Block Grant or (CSBG) which provides funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities. [1], President Ford emphasized the bill's potential for reducing inefficient bureaucracy, as the grant replaced seven previous programs that were "too fragmented to provide comprehensive solutions to complex local needs". How the Scam Works You get a Facebook Messenger chat or Instagram direct message that looks like it comes from a friend, relative, community member, or other person you trust. [21] Other programs include the CDBG Insular Area Program (for American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), the CDBG Program Colonias Set-Aside, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. CDBG grant funding is only available by applying through a municipalitys website or grant funding office, and only during a select period of time during the winter. Sign up to receive the latest Pennsylvania news, direct to your inbox. $0.00. CDBG: Community Development Block Grant Programs Others have said CDBG's scope of allowed activities is too broad, making it difficult to measure program performance. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - Home Page Counties qualify if they have populations of at least 200,000, excluding any entitlement cities, and are in a metropolitan area. We urge recipients of such calls or e-mails to be extremely wary of any scheme requiring an advance payment for a later promise of funds these are hallmarks of scams. Current as of: July 1, 2019 DCL#: CSBG-DCL-2019-14 DATE: June 13, 2019 TO: CSBG Network SUBJECT: Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Fraud Alert ATTACHMENT (S): Not Applicable Dear Colleagues, Someone might offer you a grant to pay for education, home repairs, home business expenses, or unpaid bills. The CDBG program improves the economic, social and physical environment of eligible, rural cities and counties to enhance the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents, thereby strengthening the entire community. If the circumstances are right and you feel you have been advised by a reliable source you could become a victim. Heres how to avoid a government grant scam, and how to report it. If you think you may have been a victim of a government grant scam, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online, or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. 200.l0l (d) {l). If you spotted a scam, report it to the FTC atReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses and shares reports with law enforcement partners to help with investigations. Block grant to pay for Newport curbs and sidewalks In the latest report, the scammers are posing under the Facebook page name "Community Development Block Grant." They promise you a package of $100,000 if you send them the money needed to pay FedEX to deliver your money. You can also report grant-related scam attempts to the Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477. You are likely being targeted as part of a scam. In fact, a scam artist could be calling from anywhere in the world. . CDBG, like other block grant programs, differ from categorical grants, made for specific purposes, in that they are subject to less federal oversight and are largely used at the discretion of the state and local governments and their subgrantees. The message says theres something wrong with Its Cyber Security Awareness month, so the tricks scammers use to steal our personal information are on our minds. Entitlement funding is set by Act 179 formula. Current as of: June 14, 2023. If theres one constant among scammers, its that theyre always coming up with new schemes, like the Google Voice verification scam. Community development block grant projects were reviewed and other work was done during the June 26 meeting of the Perry County commissioners. CDBG funds may be utilized to address a wide variety of community needs . Pursuant to the federal CSBG Act (42 U.S.C. Gov. Ivey announces $350,000 grant for Rainsville sewer improvements Open. This is typical scammer activity. An individual who makes this claim is not from the government and could be trying to collect private personal data from you, such as your Social Security number, bank account number or other such information. Decentralizing control over community development appealed to some Democrats because the central administration of previous programs meant benefits often did not reach the targeted low-income communities,[7] while Republicans appreciated that the program was represented as meant to "limit the powers of the federal bureaucracy",[8] a political and ideological presentation reflective of "growing public resentment of big government and big bureaucracy". Then they'll ask for your bank account information maybe to deposit "grant money" into your account or to pay up-front fees. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. On the local level, however, each city is allowed to select their own objectives and priorities underneath each of those goals that they believe will best meet the needs of their community. The area code listed is in California. So, many of us might be looking for alternatives, like buying gifts locally or maybe from online marketplaces or sites you find through your social media accounts, online ads, or by searching Youve opened all your gifts, and now its time to open those post-holiday credit card statements. Congress annually appropriates funds for the Community Services Block Grant program which are administered at the state level by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Who can apply? Individuals unrelated to CSBG are contacting people via telephone, email, social media, and text message offering CSBG funding or services in exchange for a fee. 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A city's proportion of the overall CDBG allocation is either the average of the area's fractions of the US's total population, total poverty and total amount of housing overcrowding, or the average of the area's fractions of the country's total growth lag, total poverty, and total age of housing. Fake calls from Apple and Amazon support: What you need to know, The Google Voice scam: How this verification code scam works and how to avoid it, Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items, Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items, Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items, Money-Making Opportunities and Investments, Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items, Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. Thus, the CDBG program represents a significant shift in how the federal government addresses poverty and blight. The FTC uses and shares reports with law enforcement partners to help with investigations. [13] Formula A typically benefits rapidly growing cities with high poverty that lack affordable housing. Scammers ask you for information or money. The funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be combined with a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant awarded in 2022 to enable the city to upgrade a faulty section of its sewer system. People in other communities report they were. [citation needed], In order to receive CDBG funds, applicants must identify urgent needs of the community, and solicit project ideas and plans from citizens and local organizations that address those needs. Such activities may include "Acquisition of real property, Relocation and demolition, Rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures, Construction of public facilities and improvements", and more. By clicking the continue button or continuing to use our website, you are consenting to our, Certified Economic Development Organizations, Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC), Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program (OSTC), Community Development Block Grant Fact Sheet, Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission (PMCEC), Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority (PMBDA), Sports Marketing and Tourism Program (STAMP), Governor Shapiro Highlights Administrations Plans to Expand Broadband Access Across Pennsylvania During Visit to Beaver County, Pennsylvania House Passes Bipartisan Budget That Delivers on Governor Shapiros Key Priorities, Makes Historic, Commonsense Investments to Create a Stronger Economy, Safer and Healthier Communities, and Better Schools, Entitlement program which provides annual funding to designated municipalities, Competitive program is available to all municipalities that are not direct federal recipients of CDBG funds and state Act 179 entitlement municipalities with a population less than 10,000. Publication Report Number. Learn more abouthow to get your money back. [25] First, an Annual Action Plan for the upcoming fiscal year that also serves as an application for funds is due to HUD in mid-May. Government Grant Scams | Consumer Advice Seth Hassett Facebook Scam - Community Development Block Grant Second, a Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) covering the previous fiscal year is submitted to HUD at the end of September to ensure the cities are meeting objectives. Federal grants are usually awarded for specific programs, research or projects most often to local governments, organizations, institutions and universities. You can also report grant-related scam attempts to the Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477 . 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. (WWLP) - The Northampton Police Department is warning residents not to respond to a Facebook scam offering grant funding. Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund): Scammers have been calling, e-mailing, or otherwise contacting an individual asserting that the individual has been awarded a grant or a similar sum of money and requesting personal information or a sum of money to "release" the funds. He was approved for a grant, but became suspicious when he started receiving text messages from the grant organization requesting he wire money out of the country to pay the taxes on the grant, because it was held up in Customs. For more information, please visit: Grant Fraud and Scams. Similar tactics can be used with email addresses in online communication, so be alert! . The creation of the Action Plans includes community outreach, public meetings, and the solicitation of Requests for Proposals from city government departments and local nonprofits of activities that could be funded. Explore CDBG. They only posted enough cover photos to appear official so you won't question its legitimacy. Block Grants. The CDBG page itself appears to be official, however, they have very little activity just in the last 8 years. Eligibility. If you receive one of these requests, you should disregard and delete. $100K Grant Scam From Community Services Block Grant Community Development. Better Funds Use. Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus Business Resiliency Program Beware of individuals claiming to work for grants-related government bureaus and departments that do not actually exist. (WWLP) The Northampton Police Department is warning residents not to respond to a Facebook scam offering grant funding. Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) provide federal funding for projects that aim to improve the quality of life for people with low or moderate incomes. In the latest report, the scammers are posing under the Facebook page name "Community Development Block Grant." [citation needed]. Reporting requirements", "CDBG Expenditure Reports/U.S. If you are made aware of or receive any communication offering a CSBG grant or requesting a fee in exchange for additional funding, please report it to the Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477. [23], Proposed CDBG projects must be consistent with broad national priorities for CDBG: activities that benefit low- and moderate-income people, the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or other community development activities to address an urgent threat to health or safety. With the bonus of burning 360 calories an hour, rollerblading is a surefire way to stay fit without a gym. BBB Scam Alert: Watch out for Facebook "friends" pushing phony COVID grants [citation needed], Local governments receiving CDBG funds must submit two annual performance and evaluation reports. Refer to program guidelines. He. MONTGOMERY Gov. The CDBG program was enacted in 1974 by President Gerald Ford through the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and took effect in January 1975. In this case, its nearly $7,000. Mass. Police warn of Facebook scam offering block grant funding Director, Division of Community Assistance Secondly, funds must be spent on eligible activities, which are broadly defined as including "community development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and improved community facilities and services". The message is. Yavapai College Offering 8-Week Classes for Fall Semester; Registration Open, WRRC 2021 Virtual Annual Conference Tribal Water Resilience in a Changing Environment, On Cinema With Tonatiuh Malanos-Rodriguez, Prescott Talks: Interview with Howard Mechanic about the lawsuit over the Rodeo Appropriation, Grand Canyon National Park to get electric, natural gas buses The Center Square, Reestablishing Effective Law Enforcement Buz Blog, HOLY COW! [15][16][17][18], More than 1,100 local and state governments, called "entitlement communities", automatically qualify for the grant. Heres what you need to know about these calls. Title 42 5306. Scammers are artful in their schemes and dont seem to tire quickly! An Effingham County citizen received a FaceBook instant message from one of his contacts telling him he should check out a link offering Community Development Grants. In one version of the scam, you get a call and a recorded message that says its Amazon. 2023-FW-1002-001-A. These are some of the best PS5 games for teens you can find on Amazon right now. Have you heard about it? [19] They are required to submit allocation reports (showing to whom and where the money was spent) and quarterly reports to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Although the reporting party caught on to the scam, she is concerned her friend or others may not be as privy to the con. Any of the following statements should put you on high alert: The government does not contact individuals to award grants for which there has been no application. The 1978 re-authorization also required HUD to award 30% of all CDBG funds to states for grants to municipalities and counties that are not entitlement communities. Are you looking for some fun, exciting games to keep your kids entertained? The people that are trying to dupe you out of your hard-earned money put a great amount of time and effort into their plans and they only need to actually fool a small percentage of the population to be profitable. UDAG, along with urban renewal and other previous federal attempts to alleviate poverty and blight in US cities, was criticized as being a "top-down" approach. The CFDA Number for these awards is 14.228, which exempts the grants from the indirect costrequirements of 2 C.F.R. Start small, then add on. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federally funded block grant in the Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services that provides funds to states, territories, and tribes to administer to support services that alleviate the . ), Community Action Agencies (also known as CSBG Eligible Entities) receive 90 percent of the funds . Title 42 5313. All Rights Reserved. The .gov means its official. Status. Additionally, OCS does not initiate contact with individuals by phone, email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Dont pay for a list of government grants and dont pay any up-front fees. One of those scams was 8 Figure Dream Lifestyle, which touted a proven business model and told Scammers are calling people and using the names of two companies everyone knows, Apple and Amazon, to rip people off. This is how the people attempting the scam were able to obtain our victims cell phone number. Enfield 4th of July Celebration this weekend! Community Services Block Grant Program - Maryland Department of Housing CDBG funds may be used for community development activities (such as real estate acquisition, relocation, demolition, rehabilitation of housing and commercial buildings), construction of public facilities and improvements (such as water, sewer, and other utilities, street paving, and sidewalks), construction and maintenance of neighborhood centers, and the conversion of school buildings, public services, and economic development and job creation/retention activities. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania citizens while assuring transparency and accountability in the expenditure of public funds. The local reported that the information passed on to her from a friend was that a person could potentially receive $100k through the grant and to call a phone number in order to apply. The CAPER includes "a description of the progress made in accomplishing the objectives" of the CDBG, and "a summary of the use of such funds during the preceding fiscal year". This is often called the "Small Cities" program, because it includes many small cities and rural counties. CSBG-DCL-2019-14 Potential Fraud Alert | The Administration for No matter how you paid a scammer, the sooner you act, the better. They asked for personal information. From addressing local health and safety concerns to improving local facilities such as senior centers and community centers, CDBG programs are designed to support your community's wellbeing and greater capacity for growth. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) SOMERSET, NJ - Regulations require the preparation and submission of an Annual Action Plan, a summary of which is available on the Franklin. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. No matter how you paid a scammer, the sooner you act, the better. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is real; however, it does not provide direct grants to individuals and doesnt charge a fee for receiving a grant. Kay Ivey has announced a $350,000 grant to help the city of Rainsville alleviate a public health hazard by repairing the city's sewer system.. Community Planning and Development. Seventy percentof each entitlement grant must be used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons. But theyre all scams. Every grant from the federal government involves an application submitted through a government website, such as Grants.gov. CDBG projects must align with. Community Development Block Grant Competitive program is available to all municipalities that are not direct federal recipients of CDBG funds and state Act 179 entitlement municipalities with a population less than 10,000. If an individual contacts you about an opportunity to obtain free money in the form of a grant from the federal government, be extremely wary. What to do about unwanted calls, emails, and text messages that can be annoying, might be illegal, and are probably scams.
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