Government Grants Association foolishly gave my account information; they will debit my account on 2/28/05, can only reach answering service where voice mail is full will have to cancel my checking account RIPOFF Clearwater, Florida

Albert (EmployeeID# 2003 phoned me from Florida stating that he had a government grant for my son Shawn. I informed him Shawn was not at home and asked him to leave a message. He asked me whom I was and I told him I was Shawn's mother. He stated that Shawn was eligible to receive a government grant for $5,000. When I asked what government agency was involved, he told me they would be sending me materials explaining everything via U.S. Mail.

When he switched me over to the verification unit they began asking me again for my personal information. They gave me a confirmation number of 2840024 I was then informed that $199.95 would be deducted from my qccount on February 28,2005.

When I inquired what the charge was for, I was told for the informational kit that contained all the paperwork I would need to file for the grant. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable with this company but Albert, who sounded Indian, assured me that this was legitimate.

This was concluded. However, Albert called me again one hour later and stated that he needed me to complete the verification process over again. I informed him that I had given this offer further thought and had decided that I did not want to subscribe to this service. He overcame my objections by assuring me that this was a legitimate comepany, and gave me his e-mail address.

When I spoke to my son about this offer, he told me that this is probably not a legitimate company and that I should call them back to rescind my acceptance. I have been trying to contact someone at both their toll free numbers, but to no avail.

Just now my phone call made it through the automated system and I was able to speak with someone regarding the cancellation of my order. He assureds me that he would not be processing the electronic withdrawal. When I asked him if somehow the transaction is processed, he stated that I only needed to call them to request a refund. I think as a precaution, I will still close my account and open a new one.

In the future I will not be giving out my personal information so willingly. It sounded like a good deal at the time; but I was feeling the need to do what I could to help my son who is a newlywed graduate student with a baby due in September '05. Perhaps I can discover another way in which to help him.

Bernadine
Champaign, IL 6l820, Illinois
U.S.A.