Protect Yourself from Grant and Mortgage Fraud
Unfortunately, scammers often target homeowners who are struggling financially. They may pose as grant programs, government agencies, or housing counselors to steal your money or personal information. Knowing what to watch for can help you avoid becoming a victim.
Common Warning Signs of Fraud
Be cautious of anyone who:
- Charges upfront fees — Legitimate grant programs like HCG never charge application, processing, or any other fees
- Guarantees approval — No legitimate program can guarantee grant approval before reviewing your application
- Pressures you to act immediately — Scammers create false urgency to prevent you from doing research
- Asks you to wire money — Never wire money or send gift cards to anyone claiming to offer grant assistance
- Requests your bank login credentials — No legitimate organization will ask for your online banking password
- Asks you to sign over your property deed — Never sign over ownership of your home to receive assistance
- Contacts you unsolicited — Be wary of unexpected calls, emails, or texts offering grant money
- Uses a personal email address — Legitimate organizations use official business email domains
How HCG Operates
HOME CAREGIVING GRANT will never:
- Charge any fees — application, processing, closing, or otherwise
- Ask for your online banking password or login credentials
- Request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- Guarantee approval before reviewing your complete application
- Ask you to sign over your property deed
- Disburse funds to you personally — all grants go directly to your HELOC lender
How to Verify HCG Communications
If you receive a communication claiming to be from HCG:
- Check the sender's email domain — official HCG emails come from @hcggrant.com
- Call our official number to verify: 401-965-6420
- Do not click on links in suspicious emails or text messages
- Never provide personal information in response to an unsolicited request
Reporting Fraud
If you suspect fraud or have been targeted by a scam, report it to:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.reportfraud.ftc.gov or 877-382-4357
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint
- Your State Attorney General: Find your state AG's contact information at www.naag.org
- HUD Office of Inspector General: 800-347-3735
- HCG directly: Report suspicious activity using HCG's name to fraud@hcggrant.com
Identity Theft Protection
If you believe your personal information has been compromised:
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting any one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Review your credit reports for unauthorized accounts or inquiries
- Consider placing a credit freeze to prevent new accounts from being opened
- File a report with the FTC at www.identitytheft.gov
- File a police report with your local law enforcement agency