There are several emails and advertisements sent out giving out government grants to every possible imaginable need such as education, buying a house, starting a businesses and home repair are just to name a few.

These types of advertisements and email are scams, and they specify that money that is given as government grants do not have to be repaid.

Before falling for these types of scams you should ask yourself a few important questions as the government simply does not grant money to people.

- Does the government really give grants? Yes, there are genuine cases where the government does approve grants to citizens in the United States, for College and other purposes.

- If the government do give grants then why is it a scam? Along with the genuine offers to give grants there are scams that operate as well, posing as genuine. Therefore, even if you have been scammed there are certain other people who did receive government grants and were not scammed.

- What are the characteristics of a genuine government grant? Genuine government grants require a lot of formalities such as completion of paper work and then handing it over to the correct authorities. A lot research is necessary on government grants from you if you decide to apply for one.

- What are the signs of a government grant scam? The following is said to be some of the warning signs of a scam, websites that don't look genuine, hefty upfront fees, lack or no customer service whatsoever, old grants and poor responses.

- How do I proceed with applying for government grants? Choose a reputed company that specialises its service with government grants, they take away some of the burdens of applying for grants.

Government grant scams are now also carried out through the telephone. Here is how it works,

- They will inform you that you have been chosen as an eligible candidate for a government grant.

- You are requested to give your personal details such as social security number and bank details.

- Your bank details are requested on the pretext that they will deposit the funds to your account when you make the one time payment of US$$.

- They will give you a money back guarantee

- Thereafter after you make your payment you will never hear from them

How to avoid a Government grant scam

- There is no money or upfront fee that you have to pay for a legitimate government grant

- You don't get offered a grant out of the blues, you have to apply for it and only if you are eligible the authorities will contact you

- Request for a written communication if you are informed that you are eligible for a scam. - Do not give personal details to anyone.