{"success":true,"data":{"id":"fake-grant-government-benefit-claim-scam","label":"Fake government grant / unclaimed benefit scam — federal grant/stimulus/COVID relief approved + pay processing/administrative fee to release funds","description":"Email claiming the recipient has been approved for a federal grant, unclaimed COVID-19 relief benefit, stimulus check, SNAP benefit refund, or other government award — but requiring payment of a \"processing fee,\" \"administrative fee,\" \"bank fee,\" or \"notarization fee\" ($75–$250+) before the funds can be released. No legitimate government benefit or grant requires an upfront payment to claim. Real stimulus payments came via IRS direct deposit or check without any fee. FTC 2024: government benefit impersonation and fake grant scams caused $492M in losses; the \"unclaimed funds\" pretext spikes after real stimulus programs (COVID, emergency relief) to exploit public familiarity. The fee is the scam — no funds exist.","tier":"danger","category":"scam","isThin":false}}