"Advantage America" Grant Scam

The victim receives an unsolicited phone call; those with caller ID will see (in this case) “Advantage America” on their screen. The caller informs the victim that, based on his or her tax return, the victim is eligible to receive a government grant of up to $12,500. The victim is instructed to mail a nominal fee (usually $40-$50) to the company, and has lately provided a Winter Park mailing address. The caller also asks for the victim’s checking account and routing number information, and is told that a fee of $299 will be withdrawn after the victim receives their grant. The victim sends the check to the ficticious address, and by the time their check has been returned their bank account has been emptied.

These people are persistent; if the victim wavers, a “manager” gets on the line and tries to close the deal. If a victim shows initial interest but ultimately disconnects, several follow-up calls follow. Wary victims are directed to a website to prove legitimacy (www.advantageamericabenefits.com). This web site has listed addresses that are located in Winter Park, however this "company" does not currently and has never occupied any of these addresses that have been shown on the site.

No victims have been identified in Florida thus far, but if you have been victimized or have any additional information on this scam, please use the following link to contact the The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC).

http://www.wppd.org/community/news.htm