Scam artists working area, claiming they'll write grants for small businesses

A phony grant-writing scheme targeting small businesses has turned up in the Bellevue-Seattle area, according to Bellevue police.

The scammers, believed to be from Las Vegas, used the name Foundation Research Inc. and asked for a "nonrefundable" deposit of $3,000. They promised to use the money to research and apply for federal grants for small-business owners. Once they have the deposit, the corporation shuts down and the money is never seen again, according to police.

At least 10 other corporate names have been used by the scammers, including: Small Business Funding Company, Small Business Funding Services, The Grant People, The Grant Place, The Corporate People and Grant Resources, police said.

Recently, Foundation Research advertised a seminar at the Bellevue Marriott, spotlighting a "speaker" claiming to be a national radio personality: "Jay Ellis — The Money Man."

Bellevue Police detectives discovered that "Ellis" was actually a felon and professional con artist. When detectives contacted the man, he agreed to cancel the seminar.

Police said the scammers will likely continue to solicit money by telephone and e-mail.

If you think you have been a victim of this type of scam, the Bellevue Police Department fraud unit asks you to call them at 425-577-5656.