Recent Scam Involving NSF's Name and Likeness

By trinehar@nsf.gov
February 16, 2021

The U.S. National Science Foundation is aware of its name and likeness being used in a fraudulent manner. Scammers claiming to represent NSF inform individuals that they have won NSF grant money and can claim it for a fee. NSF has a long-standing merit review process that governs issuance of research and research-related awards made by the foundation. The foundation does not award funds for personal use.

NSF will never:

  • Make initial contact by phone to an individual to say they have won a grant from NSF;
  • Request an individual pay a fee to claim a grant award; or
  • Request information upfront by phone or email, including personal bank account, Social Security number, or other Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

If you have been contacted in this manner, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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