“Your Grant Has Been Approved!” …And Other Lies That Steal Thousands

It begins innocently enough. A message pops up from someone you know, maybe even a close friend or relative, telling you about an incredible opportunity to receive a $100,000 government grant. All you need to do is pay a small fee, and the money is yours.

 

For one Georgia woman, this exact scenario played out over Facebook Messenger. The catch? The “government official” she was dealing with was supposedly Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank. Yep, the same Christine Lagarde who has zero involvement in distributing U.S. grants.

 

And yet, the scam worked. The woman started buying eBay gift cards, scanning them, and sending the codes to this imposter. Despite efforts from her sister to intervene, she kept sending money, hooked by a story too good to be true and convinced it came from a trusted source.

Gift card scams are increasingly sophisticated, using real names, real social accounts, and just enough “official” lingo to sound believable. (iStock)

How the Scam Works: The Social Engineering Playbook

This is a textbook example of social engineering, which is a form of manipulation where scammers exploit trust and emotional triggers. Here’s the typical play-by-play:

  • Step 1: Impersonation via Social Media

The scammer hijacks or mimics an account of someone the victim knows, making it seem like a legitimate message from a trusted friend.

  • Step 2: The Bait

They dangle a “free” government grant that requires only a small upfront fee to process or secure the funds.

  • Step 3: Payment in Gift Cards

The scammer requests payment in gift cards (usually eBay, Apple, or Google Play) because they’re untraceable and easy to cash out.

  • Step 4: Escalation

Once the victim pays once, they’re likely to be asked to “cover additional fees,” drawing them deeper into the scam.

 

This case is particularly disturbing because the scammer preyed on a familial connection and used one of the most trusted names in global finance to lend false credibility. But Christine Lagarde? She’s a central banker, not a grant administrator. That alone is a massive red flag.

Gift Cards = Giant Warning Sign

No legitimate government agency (or business or charity, for that matter) will ever ask you to send money via gift cards. Period. This method of payment is a hallmark of fraud, designed to bypass banking systems and leave victims without recourse.

 

According to FTC data, $54 million was lost to gift card scams within just the first 3 months of 2025.  

 

So why are gift cards so popular among fraudsters? Well, frankly, it’s because they’re anonymous, instant, and nonrefundable. Think about it: no personal information is required to redeem them, codes can be cashed out in minutes, and victims are rarely able to recover funds. 

Gift card and reload card scams lost consumers $54 million between January 1 and March 31, 2025. (FTC Consumer Sentinel Network)

What to Do If a Loved One Won’t Listen

Perhaps the hardest part of this story is that the victim’s sister knew it was a scam, but couldn’t get through. This is a growing problem in the world of consumer protection: how do you help someone who refuses to believe they’re being scammed?

 

Here are a few strategies that can help:

  • Document the Red Flags: Show them clear evidence that the person they’re talking to isn’t who they say they are. Here’s an article from the FTC warning against these scams that they might be open to reading: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams
  • Contact the Real Person: If the scammer is impersonating a friend, try to reach the actual friend directly and loop them in.
  • Report the Incident: File a complaint with the FTC or your state’s consumer protection office. In Georgia, the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection is a key resource.
  • Bring in a Third Party: Sometimes hearing it from a neutral source, like a financial advisor, police officer, or another trusted authority, can break the illusion.

Final Thoughts: Stay Skeptical, Stay Safe

The truth is, these scams aren’t rare. They’re rampant. And they’re increasingly sophisticated, using real names, real social accounts, and just enough “official” lingo to sound believable.

 

So ask yourself: Would a global financial leader really DM you about a U.S. grant? Would any legitimate program demand eBay gift cards?

If the answer seems off, trust your gut—and don’t send a dime.

 

If someone you love is falling victim to a similar scam, how would you approach them? Would they believe you or the scammer? It’s a conversation worth having before it’s too late.