(Atlantic, Iowa) – A Senior Citizen in Atlantic has asked the local media to warn the public about a scam involving fake Facebook “friends”.  The person says you may receive a message from a friend on Facebook Messenger, your phone or computer, telling you about a non-taxable grant that is available to low-income senior citizens. This so-called “friend” will tell you that he or she applied and paid a small fee and got the money delivered to their door shortly after. Your “friend” may also tell you that you need to pay some additional fees, all using Cash App, Zelle or gift cards. Please be aware you are never chatting with your real “friend”, you’re chatting with a scammer.

The senior citizen who approached the media, said they thought this was a scam to start with, but with three “friends” messaging them and encouraging the person to apply, they began to think it was real. The key to avoid this scam is to contact your real friend(s) in-person and ask if they know about these grants or programs that are being promoted.

The citizen concluded by saying, “Let my loss save you from being tempted.”