The Financial Hardship Department scam is one of the latest schemes that preys on vulnerable people struggling with financial difficulties. These scammers claim to be from a government agency or a reputable financial institution, offering relief from debts and financial difficulties. However, their real intention is to deceive victims into sharing personal information or paying upfront fees, leading to further financial losses and identity theft.
In this article, we will delve into the details of the Financial Hardship Department scam, how it works, and how to avoid falling victim to this fraudulent scheme. It’s important to note that scammers may use different phone numbers to carry out their scheme, but the following numbers have been identified as commonly used in these types of fraudulent emails: 888-572-6345, 855-401-3431, 855-907-1209, 855-739-1684, 888-597-1341, 267-404-5336, 833-877-3092, 833-528-2121, 855-455-5177, and 855-783-7658. If you receive an email or call from someone claiming to be from the Financial Hardship Department and urging you to call a different number, proceed with caution and do your research before taking any action.
QUICK LINKS
- How the scam works
- How to spot and avoid scams like the “Financial Hardship Department” scam email?
- What to do when you receive the Financial Hardship Department Scam Email?
- Report a Scam
How the scam works
The Financial Hardship Department scam email is designed to trick people into believing that they have been approved for financial assistance and encouraging them to call the phone number provided to receive the funds. However, the phone number provided is not a legitimate number for a government agency or legitimate financial institution, but rather a phone number that is controlled by the scammers themselves.
When the victim calls the phone number, the scammers will likely ask for personal information, such as their Social Security number, date of birth, and bank account information, under the guise of needing this information to process the financial assistance application. Once the scammers have this information, they can use it for identity theft or to steal money from the victim’s bank account.
A typical “Financial Hardship Department” scam email reads as follows:
I am reaching out from the Financial Hardship Department, where I have been assigned to assist with your recent application for hardship assistance. I have reviewed your application and am pleased to inform you that you have been approved for up to $37,000 in financial support. Our program is designed to provide unique opportunities to those facing financial difficulties, and I would be honored to assist you in enrolling. To that end, I would like to schedule a call to discuss the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. If you are available, please call me back at: 855.919.6396, to schedule a convenient time for our call. I will be available during normal business hours, 9 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time, and will make every effort to accommodate your schedule. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon and help you take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Gerik Hoyte -Financial Hardship Department
The Financial Hardship Department email contains several red flags that indicate it is a scam
- The email contains several spelling and grammatical errors, which is a common sign of a scam.
- The email is sent from a strange and possibly fake email address, which is another warning sign.
- The email tries to create a sense of urgency by claiming that the recipient has been approved for financial support and needs to act quickly to claim it.
- The email is an unsolicited offer, which means that the recipient did not request the financial assistance.
- The characters in the email are not standard ASCII characters and include Unicode characters, such as , which are called “left-to-right embedding” characters. These characters are often used to obscure text and bypass spam filters that rely on keyword matching. Such tactics are commonly used by scammers to make their emails look more legitimate.
- The email is poorly disguised as an official communication from a government agency. Additionally, the email does not provide any contact information or a website for the supposed agency.
It’s important to remember that legitimate financial institutions and government agencies do not ask for personal information over the phone or via email, especially without verifying the identity of the person they are speaking with. If you receive an email or phone call similar to the Financial Hardship Department scam, it’s best to ignore it or report it to the appropriate authorities.
Examples of such scams
Here are some examples of scams similar to the Financial Hardship Department scam. Binance PayPal Invoice Scam, Linkt Payment Overdue Scam, PNC Scam Text Frozen Account Message, Geek Squad EMAIL SCAM are some of the scams we reported recently.
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- Security Check Against Your PayPal account Scam
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- Ravoltek LLC PayPal Invoice Email Scam
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- Online Banking Alert Scam Text 847.893.5174
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- International Parcel Service Scam text
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- Geek Squad Email Scam #1
These are just a few examples, but unfortunately, there are many other types of scams out there. It’s important to be vigilant and cautious when receiving any unsolicited communication asking for personal information or payment.
How to spot and avoid phishing scams like the “Financial Hardship Department” scam email
Phishing scams like the “Financial Hardship Department” scam email can be tricky to spot, but there are some common red flags to look out for that can help you avoid falling victim to them. Here are some tips to help you spot and avoid phishing scams:
- If you receive an email from a sender you don’t know or weren’t expecting, be suspicious. Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency or emergency to get you to act quickly without thinking.
- Scammers often try to make their emails look like they are coming from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a government agency. Check the email address of the sender to see if it matches the company or organization they claim to be from. Be cautious of email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have small differences, such as misspellings or extra characters.
- Phishing emails often contain spelling and grammar errors or awkward phrasing. Legitimate companies and organizations usually take the time to proofread their emails.
- Scammers often include links in their phishing emails that lead to fake login pages or malware downloads. Hover over the link with your mouse to see the full URL. If the URL doesn’t match the website you think you should be going to, or if it’s a long, convoluted string of characters, it’s likely a phishing link.
- Legitimate companies and organizations will never ask you to provide sensitive information, such as your social security number or bank account information, through an email. If an email asks for this kind of information, it’s likely a phishing scam.
- Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency or fear to get you to act quickly without thinking. If an email claims that your account will be suspended, or that you owe money and need to pay immediately, be suspicious.
- If you’re unsure whether an email is legitimate, contact the company or organization directly to confirm. Look up their phone number or website on your own, rather than clicking on links in the email.
By following these tips, you can avoid falling victim to phishing scams like the “Financial Hardship Department” scam email. Remember that scammers are always coming up with new tactics, so it’s important to stay vigilant and keep your personal information secure.
Threat Summary
| Name | Financial Hardship Department Email Scam |
| Type | Phishing Scam |
| Scammers phone numbers | 888-572-6345, 855-401-3431, 855-907-1209, 855-739-1684, 888-597-1341, 267-404-5336, 833-877-3092, 833-619-7694, 833-899-8259, 833-652-2377, 833-564-6852, 833-213-0440, 833-528-2121, 855-931-6463, 855-455-5177, 855-783-7658, 855-653-8686, 833 674 2425, 833 616 0584, 855 455 5177, 855 919 6396, 833-528-2121, 855-739-1684, 833.619.7694, 833.899.8259, 855.931.6463, 855.455.5177, 855.919.6396, 833.674.2425, 855.455.5177, 833-616-0584, 833.652.2377, 833-564-6852, 833-213-0440, 855.907.1209, 888-572-6345, 855.401.3431, 1 833 616-0584, 1 855 653 8686, 1 855 919-6396, 1 833 674-2425, 888.597.1341, 267.404.5336, 833.877.3092, 601-658-3936, 8336742425, 8336160584, 8559196396, 8557837658, 8556538686, 8554555177 |
| Disguise | The email is disguised as a message from Financial Hardship Department. |
| Damage | If the recipient falls for the scam and provides their personal information, the scammers can use it for identity theft, monetary loss, and other types of fraud. |
| Distribution methods | The email is distributed via mass email campaigns, and it can also be spread through social engineering and other forms of social media. |
What to do when you receive the Financial Hardship Department Scam Email
If you receive a Financial Hardship Department scam email, here’s what you should do:
- Do not reply to the email or call the phone number provided in the message.
- Do not click on any links or download any attachments provided in the email, as they may contain malware or viruses that can harm your device.
- You can report the email as a scam to your email provider, and mark it as spam. This will help prevent similar emails from appearing in your inbox.
- If you are unsure whether the email is legitimate, verify the information with the relevant organization directly. You can find their contact information on their official website.
- Do not provide any personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Report the scam email to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://www.ftc.gov/ or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- If you have already responded to the scam email or provided personal information to the scammers, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report any suspicious activity and protect your accounts. You may also want to consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts to prevent any unauthorized access. Use the steps (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed) to try to stop a transaction, get a transaction reversed, or get a refund.
Remember that financial institutions will never ask for your personal information over email or phone, so be cautious if someone claiming to be from such an organization contacts you.
Report a Scam
If you have received the Financial Hardship Department Scam email or an email that is similar but not the same as the example above, then post it as comment on this article. Please include the email address the email came from. This helps us to warn users about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible.
from: choll souami
Hi it’s choll with the Financial Assistance Department. We tried reaching you at your home and did not hear back… I’m not sure if you’ve spoken to an assigned agent yet, but I do see that you’re pre-approved for our Hardship Program, so what I’m going to do is keep this in a pending status. And If you have about five minutes today give me a call so we can go over the details. You can reach me at: 833-877-2938, Thank You, choll souami
from: chollsouamis@hotmail.com
Barde Sorg
7:12 PM (31 minutes ago)
to me
, Hi it’s Barde with the Financial Assistance Department. We tried reaching you at your home and did not hear back... I’m not sure if you’ve spoken to an assigned agent yet, but I do see that you’re pre-approved for our Hardship Program, so what I’m going to do is keep this in a pending status. Please give me a call between the hours of 10am and 8pm EST, so we can go over the details. My number is: 833-877-3105, Thank you, Barde Sorg - Financial Assistance Department ………………………cnNyZXN0YWlub0BnbWFpbC5jb20=
) Advertising Services, PO Box 249 #57223, Albuquerque, NM 87103 .….... We are a company that markets. For contact details please call the number above. To be removed from our list of marketing contacts to be removed from our list, enter the URL below into your browser: ‘remove-me-now.org’ and then enter your email address. ’remove-me-now.org’ cnNyZXN0YWlub0BnbWFpbC5jb20=
I am reaching out from the Financial Assistance Department, where I have been assigned to assist with your recent application for hardship assistance. I have reviewed your application and am pleased to inform you that you have been pre-approved for up to $37,000 in financial support. Our program is designed to provide unique opportunities to those facing financial difficulties, and I would be honored to assist you in enrolling. To that end, I would like to schedule a call to discuss the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. If you are available, please call me back at: 833.877.3092, to schedule a convenient time for our call. I will be available during normal business hours, 9 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time, and will make every effort to accommodate your schedule. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon and help you take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Ingemar Martini - Financial Assistance Department
Hi it’s Neil with the Financial Assistance Department. We tried reaching you at your home in ’’ and did not hear back… I’m not sure if you’ve spoken to an assigned agent yet, but I do see that you’re pre-approved for our Hardship Program, so what I’m going to do is keep this in a pending status. Please give me a call between the hours of 10am and 8pm EST, so we can go over the details. Contact me at: 833-732-2828, Thank you, Neil Onderdonk - Financial Assistance Department
From email address : madamtdutsovl@hotmail.com
From rajjabmotikx@hotmail.com:
Hi it’s Thain with the Financial Assistance Department. We tried reaching you at your home in REMOVED and did not hear back... I’m not sure if you’ve spoken to an assigned agent yet, but I do see that you’re pre-approved for our Hardship Program, so what I’m going to do is keep this in a pending status. Please give me a call between the hours of 10am and 8pm EST, so we can go over the details. My phone number is: 833.213.2130, Thank you, Thain Low – Financial Assistance Department ………………….c3Bla2tpb21vZndAZ21haWwuY29t
I ran a search for the phone number and found nothing online whatsoever. It wasn’t until I searched “financial assistance department” that I found this article.
From:
Westbrooke Leahy
bondyulvinp@hotmail.com
I am reaching out from the Financial Assistance Department, where I have been assigned to assist with your recent application for hardship assistance. I have reviewed your application and am pleased to inform you that you have been pre-approved for up to $37,000 in financial support. Our program is designed to provide unique opportunities to those facing financial difficulties, and I would be honored to assist you in enrolling. To that end, I would like to schedule a call to discuss the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. If you are available, please call me back at: 267.404.5336, to schedule a convenient time for our call. I will be available during normal business hours, 10 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time, and will make every effort to accommodate your schedule. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon and help you take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Westbrooke Leahy – Financial Assistance Department
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Advertising Services, PO Box 249 #57223, Albuquerque, NM 87103 ..…… we are a marketing service. To contact the company listed, please dial the number above. If you wish to be removed from our marketing list, go to the URL below and enter your emailaddress ’remove-me-now.org’ …………………………………………………………………………..
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Brandtr Weimer
Thu, Apr 27, 11:49 PM (5 hours ago)
to me
Justin Sheluga, I am reaching out from the Financial Hardship Department, where I have been assigned to assist with your recent application for hardship assistance. I have reviewed your application and am pleased to inform you that you have been approved for up to $37,000 in financial support.Our program is designed to provide unique opportunities to those facing financial difficulties, and I would be honored to assist you in enrolling. To that end, I would like to schedule a call to discuss the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. If you are available, please call me back at: 888-597-1341, to schedule a convenient time for our call. I will be available during normal business hours, 9 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time, and will make every effort to accommodate your schedule. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon and help you take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Brandtr, Financial Hardship Department
Jake Call, I am reaching out from the Financial Hardship Department, where I have been assigned to assist with your recent application for hardship assistance. I have reviewed your application and am pleased to inform you that you have been approved for up to $37,000 in financial support. Our program is designed to provide unique opportunities to those facing financial difficulties, and I would be honored to assist you in enrolling. To that end, I would like to schedule a call to discuss the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. If you are available, please call me back at: 855-739-1684, to schedule a convenient time for our call. I will be available during normal business hours, 9 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time, and will make every effort to accommodate your schedule. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon and help you take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Lacie, Financial Hardship Department
Hi, I am reaching out from the Financial Assistance Department, where I have been assigned to assist with your recent application for hardship assistance. I have reviewed your application and am pleased to inform you that you have been pre-approved for up to $37,000 in financial support. Our program is designed to provide unique opportunities to those facing financial difficulties, and I would be honored to assist you in enrolling. To that end, I would like to schedule a call to discuss the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. If you are available, please call me back at: 833.877.3092, to schedule a convenient time for our call. I will be available during normal business hours, 9 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time, and will make every effort to accommodate your schedule. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon and help you take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Tova Ogara – Financial Assistance Department
Advertising Services, PO Box 249 #57223, Albuquerque, NM 87103 . We are a Marketing Agency. If you would like to reach the company listed, please use the phone number above to remove us from your marketing list, please enter the following URL into your browser: ‘remove-me-now. org’ and enter your email as follows ’remove-me-now.org’ time many steep tales which had turned out to be true,gasp, and the wizened gossip was caught by the throat and tossed,Ggguess thats so, he admitted.Sure enough, it was Bandylegs who brought the conversation around to thedrank it off in three gulps, and cracked the glass as hefor freshwater clams.described to Sir Walter. Not that he or anybody elsepromise, and of all his greatness, of his generous mind,
I am reaching out from the Financial Assistance Department, where I have been assigned to assist with your recent application for hardship assistance. I have reviewed your application and am pleased to inform you that you have been pre-approved for up to $37,000 in financial support. Our program is designed to provide unique opportunities to those facing financial difficulties, and I would be honored to assist you in enrolling. To that end, I would like to schedule a call to discuss the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. If you are available, please call back at: 855.907.1209, Thank You, Margarette Barrant
I am reaching out from the Financial Assistance Department, where I have been assigned to assist with your recent application for hardship assistance. I have reviewed your application and am pleased to inform you that you have been pre-approved for up to $37,000 in financial support. Our program is designed to provide unique opportunities to those facing financial difficulties, and I would be honored to assist you in enrolling. To that end, I would like to schedule a call to discuss the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. If you are available, please call back at: 855.401.3431, Thank You, Sutherland
FROM Sutherland Hyberts
I am reaching out from the Financial Assistance Department, where I have been assigned to assist with your recent application for hardship assistance. I have reviewed your application and am pleased to inform you that you have been pre-approved for up to $37,000 in financial support. Our program is designed to provide unique opportunities to those facing financial difficulties, and I would be honored to assist you in enrolling. To that end, I would like to schedule a call to discuss the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. If you are available, please call back at: 888-572-6345, Thank You, Clare Dorantes
From: Ryon Gulati • arwenngunyim@hotmail.com
To: Tee
May 9, 2023 8:52pm
Tina Hyslop, I am reaching out from the Financial Assistance Department, where I have been assigned to assist with your recent application for hardship assistance. I have reviewed your application and am pleased to inform you that you have been pre-approved for up to $37,000 in financial support. Our program is designed to provide unique opportunities to those facing financial difficulties, and I would be honored to assist you in enrolling. To that end, I would like to schedule a call to discuss the details of the program and answer any questions you may have. If you are available, please call back at: 855.907.1209, Thank You, Ryon Gulati
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