Oregon Public Broadcasting

Scammers are trying to cash in on the federal economic stimulus legislation.

Trouble is, they’re not actually going after federal money, they’re going after your money.

“The scammers are kind of like a virus that adapts constantly,” says Tony Green, a spokesman for the Oregon Attorney General.

Green says one of the scams involves web sites offering a list of economic stimulus grants that you can apply for. 

The cost seems like a bargain, as little as $1.99 for the list.  And you can pay by credit card. 

The scammer then runs up charges on your credit card, sometimes using a so-called “negative option” agreement that authorizes the charges if you don’t cancel them.

“There are problems around the country and we’re trying to anticipate anything happening in Oregon,” says Green.  “I’m sure it’s already happening, we just haven’t gotten a complaint as of Thursday.”

But the Federal Trade Commission has received complaints from people in other states.

Which prompted the Oregon Attorney General to issue a pre-emptive warning for Oregonians.

Green says another scam the FTC is warning about is seminars that charge people to learn how to apply for federal stimulus grants.  The seminars then promise to show you how to get rich quickly with the money you receive.

Email scams claiming to need bank information to deposit stimulus money in your account are also turning up.  As are emails asking people to “verify” they are eligible for payment by unwittingly clicking a link that downloads malicious software.

Other people are reporting automated phone calls offering stimulus money.

But of course, they’re not legitimate. 

The Oregon Attorney General recommends contacting their office if you believe you have been scammed or have questions about simulate-related offers.

Oregon Attorney General