Attorney General Peter W. Heed and the State Office of Energy and Planning today issued a warning that scam artists are selling fraudulent “Grant Application” Cover Sheets, marked as coming from the State Office of Energy and Planning.

According to Attorney General Heed, consumers are led to believe that they can apply for grant funds from the State to assist them in paying for home improvements. The Office of Energy and Planning serves as the clearinghouse for the Intergovernmental Review Process of federal grant applications received from agencies and organizations throughout the state. The forms that were mailed to consumers are in fact the summary sheets that are included in complete applications packages, which address the criteria identified by federal agencies. “These forms are not for personal grants to individuals, but are for grants which provide services to the community at large,” Director Mary Ann Manoogian said.

“Consumers are urged to carefully question any offers they receive”, Heed stated. “It is always prudent to check the validity of offers before paying any money,” Heed added.

Consumers with further questions should call the Attorney Generals Office at 271-3641, or the State Office of Energy and Planning at 271-2611.