Fake Government Grant Scams on SMS / Text
Scam texts announce you have qualified for a government grant, then push you to a link or number to pay a 'release fee' and hand over personal details.
Part of: Fake Government Grant Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
A fake grant text delivers a quick jolt of fortune: you have been approved for a government grant, claim it through this link. The brevity strips away the scrutiny a longer pitch might invite, leaving only the promise of free money and a single tap to chase it.
Genuine grant programmes do not notify recipients of awards by unsolicited text, nor do they charge fees to release funds. SMS suits scammers because it reaches a wide audience instantly and a tappable link sits one thumb-press from a convincing but fraudulent claim page.
How this scam works on SMS / text
The text states you have qualified for or been awarded a grant and must click a link or call a number to claim it. No genuine application preceded it.
The link opens a page requesting personal and banking details and an upfront 'release' or 'processing' fee; the phone option connects to a scripted 'agent' applying the same pressure. Everything entered or paid goes to the scammer.
The message's promise of effortless funds, paired with a short deadline, is built to prompt an immediate, unverified response.
Common red flags
- A text says you qualified for a government grant you never applied for
- You are told to click a link or call to claim free money
- An upfront release or processing fee is required
- The page asks for bank and identity details
- The sender ID is spoofed to look official
- A short deadline pressures you to act at once
How to protect yourself
- Do not tap links or call numbers in unexpected grant texts
- Know that genuine grants never charge a fee to release funds
- Be sceptical of any grant you never applied for
- Never enter bank or identity details on a page reached from a text
- Delete the message and block the number
- Verify grant programmes only on official government websites
How to report it
- Forward the text to your national smishing or spam reporting number where available
- Report the impersonation to the genuine grant agency or department
- File a report with your local fraud or cybercrime reporting service
Frequently asked questions
I got a text saying I qualified for a grant — should I claim it?
Genuine grants require an application and never announce awards by surprise text or charge a release fee. Treat the message as a scam: do not tap the link, and verify programmes only on official government sites.