Scam Alerts
Scam Pertaining to Grant Notifications
We are aware of another scam where the perpetrators are illegally using the Principal Financial Group name, logo and address as the issuer of $3,670 checks. The perpetrators have recently been distributing letters and checks congratulating various individuals throughout the United States that they have been awarded $33,030 in grant money approved through the "Grant Association" and "Grant Board of Commissions." The letter is from Grant Opportunities in Roslyn Heights, New York. The Principal Financial Group did not issue checks relating to any type of grant award. This reflects another scam example where perpetrators are requesting payment of bogus up-front processing fees with no intention of ever paying the awarded grant money. When individuals contact our company, we confirm that it's a scam not affiliated with our company, recommend that they avoid cashing or depositing the check, and encourage them to report the situation to the Consumer Services Division of their local Attorney General's office.
Scam Pertaining to a 'Mystery Shopper' Research Program — September 22, 2009
We are aware of another scam where the perpetrators are illegally using the Principal Financial Group name, logo and address as the issuer of $3,800 checks. The perpetrators have recently been distributing fraudulent checks and letters from Principal Life Market Logistic informing various individuals throughout the United States that "they have been selected to participate in a paid Retail Research Program as a mystery shopper for the New Year season."
The Principal Financial Group did not issue the $3,800 checks and Principal Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with Principal Life Market Logistic. This reflects a scam where perpetrators are acquiring money from victims who are convinced that they are participating in a mystery shopper program. As indicated in the above scam alerts, we recommend that individuals avoid cashing or depositing the check and encourage them to report the situation to the Consumer Services Division of their local Attorney General's office.
