Dept. of Health and Human Resources

Victim Location 20011

Type of a scam Government Grant

I decided to answer this unknown number because it was in my area code. A Mr. Zan Maxwell told me I am receiving grant money from the United States because I paid my taxes, didn’t have a criminal record, and I am such a good citizen. My first question was, "How long are going to continue with this scam?" Mr. Maxwell repeated the same information again. I decided to listen, write down all information. He said I am receiving about $3400. I can receive it via direct deposit to my credit card, my bank account, or pre-paid card. I told him I would give up any personal credit card or banking information. He gave me an approval ID number, SS036. He then directed me to call another number to their accounts department to get further information. That number is 206-317-7577. He congratulated me and said ,"May God bless you." After we hung up, I called the 206 number. The man identified himself as Shawn Avila. He started with the same information as to why and how I was selected to receive this free money. He then told me I am receiving about $14,300, FREE. I told Avila that he and Maxwell gave me 2 different amounts. he then explained that Maxwell probably didn’t have my updated file, and then he assured me of the $14,000 +. He gave the address and web site of the company (HHS), and began telling me how to get the money, same as above. i told him the same thing – no personal information. he asked if there is a Walmart, Walgreen, or 7-11 near me. i told him all 3. he asked which one did I want to receive my FREE money. I told him Walmart. he then told me I have to take a government ID, my cell phone and a refundable $199 to receive this pre-paid card with the money. He said need to call him from the Walmart parking lot to let him know that I am there. Then to customer service, fill out the form, deposit the $199 on the pre-paid and within 5 minutes, I will have this money. He asked how long will it take me to get to Walmart. I told him not today because I had just left there an hour ago. He tried to talk me into going right back, and I said NO. Then he asked how quickly can I get there. I said tomorrow. He wasn’t happy, but asked me to follow theses directions on tomorrow to get my money. I said i would. he said he looked forward to hearing from me then, said God bless, and hung up.