Winder Woman Falls for Government Grant Scheme

A Winder woman is out $1,770 after falling for a government grant scam.

According to the Barrow County Sheriff's Office incident report, the 21-year-old female received a call from "Justin" on Aug. 6 informing her she was eligible for a $9,000 government grant. Justin informed the woman she would need to submit a $300 transaction fee in order to start the grant process.

Two days later, the woman wired $300 via Western Union to a man in India. The woman then called Justin to let him know the money had been sent, but received a "caller is not available" response.

The following day, Justin called the woman back and said there was another transaction fee due in the amount of $670. The woman again sent the money and again called Justin and received the same recording.

Four days later on Aug. 13, Justin once more called the woman and informed her the grant money was almost ready to be released, but that she would need to send another $800. The woman said she was told the transaction fees would be refunded when the $9,000 was released.

Once again, the woman wired the money to a man in India.

At some point on Aug. 14, the woman realized she had fallen for a scam and contacted the Barrow County Sheriff's Office. The woman was advised to stop all communication with Justin or anyone else that might call on his behalf.

The case is listed as active.