RCMP warn of farm grant scam

By Rob Vogt
The Alberta RCMP are warning people to be aware of a new scam involving the promise of a farm grant.
The police issued a news release on July 19 advising the public they are investigating a complaint of a farm grant fraud. The investigation revealed the victim signed up for a farm grant on a website that came up during a Google search.
The website asked for a fee to be submitted with a business plan. When no assistance or funds came, the victim asked for a refund, which also never came. Finally, they contacted 310-FARM who advised him it was a fraud and that loan programs never ask for any fees, or referrals, up front.
The RCMP want to remind citizens of the following:
• Farm grant programs such as 310-FARM provide free assistance/referrals;
• The 310-Farm (previously known as Ag-Info Centre) should only be accessed through www.alberta.ca/310-farm.aspx;
• It is illegal for any grant or loan program to ask for an upfront fee.
If you are unsure about a grant program please call the Alberta Farmers’ Advocate Office at 1-403-742-7901 or toll free at 310-FARM. If you have been the victim of fraud or would like more information on all the different fraudulent scams in Canada, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca