Privacy, scams, consent and complaints
50 answers. Written by the celerfunding.com editorial team from official sources. Each answer shows where it applies and when its sources were read.
How can I recognize a government grant scam?
Be suspicious of any unexpected offer, especially one that asks for fees or bank details. The FTC says the government will not contact you out of the blue about grants.
Warning signs include promises of large amounts, official-sounding invented agency names, requests for a Social Security number or bank account to confirm eligibility, and payment demands by gift card, cash reload card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency, which the FTC says is always a scam. Promised refunds are false. The FTC says no government agency demands payment for a grant, and the only free list of federal grants is at Grants.gov. Real grants need an application and have a specific purpose.
Do not share personal or financial information or pay fees. If you paid, contact the payment provider quickly. In the US, report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Check any offer against the funder's official website.
Next: FTC: government grant scams
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Government grant scams (FTC consumer advice)
How do I report funding fraud in Canada?
Contact your local police as soon as possible, and also report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).
The CAFC says local police investigate the incident. You can report to the CAFC online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca, and you may choose to report anonymously. You can also call its toll-free line at 1-888-495-8501, answered Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4:45 pm Eastern, closed on holidays.
Before reporting, gather what you have: the messages, names, phone numbers, websites, payment records and dates. Keep them safe and do not delete anything.
If you paid, contact your bank or payment provider quickly. Do not send more money to recover losses.
A funding enquiry form is not an official application and does not replace reporting. Check hours and contact details on the official CAFC page.
Next: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: report fraud
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Report fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
Is it normal for a lender to ask for a fee before I get the loan?
Be very careful. A fee demanded up front to release or secure a loan is a classic scam sign, although some real lenders do charge ordinary application or appraisal fees.
The FTC says scam lenders often call a payment "processing", "insurance" or "paperwork" and demand it before any loan arrives. It adds that no legitimate lender promises a loan because you paid a fee. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says fraudsters approve you quickly, then ask for a fee to "secure" the loan, and the loan never arrives.
So ask what each charge is for, get the terms in writing, and confirm who the lender is before sending money. Never pay by email money transfer, prepaid card, gift card, wire or cryptocurrency to a lender you have not verified.
If you already paid, see the answers on recovering money. This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): What to know about advance-fee loans (FTC consumer advice); Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
What fees can a legitimate lender or program charge?
Real lenders can charge fees, but they are disclosed in your loan terms and tied to the loan, not demanded as a separate payment to a stranger.
The FTC says real lenders may charge an application or appraisal fee. For Canada Small Business Financing Program loans, the government page lists a registration fee of 2% of the loan, which can be financed, and says lenders may add their usual set-up and renewal fees. For SBA 7(a) loans, SBA says the lender pays an upfront guaranty fee and may pass it on to the borrower, while the annual service fee cannot be charged to the borrower.
Ask for every fee in writing, who receives it, and when it is charged. A fee that must be paid before any documents or terms are shown is a warning sign.
This is general information, not financial advice.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): What to know about advance-fee loans (FTC consumer advice); CSBFP; 7(a) terms, conditions and eligibility (SBA)
Is it illegal in Canada to charge an upfront fee before giving a loan?
In most provinces, yes. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says most provinces prohibit lenders from requesting upfront fees before a loan is issued.
The Centre also lists requests for an upfront fee as a warning sign, whether the fee is to see a grant list, complete an application or secure a loan. It adds that payment requests by email money transfer, money service business or prepaid card are red flags.
Rules differ by province and can change, so use your provincial consumer protection agency or financial regulator to confirm what applies where you are. Stop all contact if a payment is requested by those methods.
If you have been targeted or lost money, report it to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: Canada funding resources
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
How do I check that a lender is legitimate?
Check the lender with an independent regulator, not with the contact details the lender gave you.
In the US, the FTC says to check whether the lender is registered in your state with the state attorney general or banking or financial services regulator, and to search the company name and phone number with words like "review", "complaint" or "scam". In Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says to verify a lender with your provincial consumer protection agency or financial regulator, and to check business funding through official government sources such as Canada.ca.
Never rely on a logo or a polished website alone. For government-backed products, go to the program's official page and find participating lenders there.
A verified lender still needs its terms read carefully before you sign.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): What to know about advance-fee loans (FTC consumer advice); Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
What does an instant loan approval message really tell me?
Treat an approval that arrives before any real review as a warning, not good news.
The FTC says legitimate lenders check your credit report and confirm your application before offering credit, and they do not promise a loan in advance. It also lists ads such as "bad credit? no problem" and lenders who say you are approved, then demand payment, as scam signs. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre likewise names instant approvals and approval promised regardless of credit history as warning signs, and says fake lending sites copy real lenders to collect personal information that can lead to identity theft.
Before sharing documents, confirm the lender through a regulator and use contact details you found yourself.
Nothing here predicts whether any real lender would approve you.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): What to know about advance-fee loans (FTC consumer advice); Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
A website that looks like a Government of Canada page offers grant access. Is it real?
Probably not, if it asks for money. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre describes fake sites that resemble government programs, offer "special access" to funding, and may use Government of Canada logos or the flag.
Victims are asked to pay an upfront fee to see a list of grants or to complete an application, and receive nothing. The Centre states that government grants and loans are free, that no one can guarantee them, and that private companies do not take part in approving them.
Check any funding through official government sources, such as the Canada.ca business funding pages, and type the address yourself rather than following an advert or message.
If you were a victim, report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Next: Canada funding resources
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
Can a grant offer from a friend's social media account be a scam?
Yes. A message from a friend's account is no proof that a grant is real, because accounts can be hacked.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns that fraudsters send grant offers from hacked social media accounts. The FTC adds that government agencies will not contact you out of the blue about grants by call, text, social media or email, and that offers of free money from government grants are scams.
Contact your friend by another route, such as a phone call, and ask whether they really sent it. Do not click, reply or pay. If the offer claims to come from a funder, find that funder's official website yourself and check there.
Report the account to the platform and, if you lost money, to police and fraud centres.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre); Government grant scams (FTC consumer advice)
Why would a grant site ask me to open a new business bank account?
Because the account may be used by fraudsters. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says some fake grant sites ask victims to open a new business bank account to receive the funds, which fraudsters may use to launder money, and the victim gets no money.
A real funder asks for banking details only at the payment stage of a genuine award, after an application and agreement. Do not open accounts, share online banking access, or let anyone else use your account on the promise of funding.
The FTC similarly says not to share bank account numbers with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly about a grant.
If you have already opened an account for this, tell your bank, stop contact, and report to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. You may want legal advice.
Next: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: report fraud
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre); Government grant scams (FTC consumer advice)
Does the SBA charge a fee for loan or disaster help?
SBA says its representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help completing applications, and anyone offering a disaster grant for payment is likely a scammer.
SBA also says that neither the government nor lenders charge small businesses any fees in connection with COVID-19 relief loan help, and to be cautious of anyone asking for upfront payment. Separate from that, ordinary SBA-backed loans from lenders can carry disclosed lender and guaranty fees, which are different from a stranger asking you to pay for access or approval.
Before paying anyone, check sba.gov or your lender using contact details you found yourself.
If someone claims they can speed up approval for a fee, do not pay and report it.
Next: SBA
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Protect yourself from scams and fraud (SBA Office of Inspector General); SBA COVID relief; 7(a) terms, conditions and eligibility (SBA)
How can I tell whether an email is really from the SBA?
Check the sender address first. SBA says it only communicates from email addresses ending in @sba.gov, so treat other senders as possible fraud.
SBA also warns that phishing messages may use its logo to steal personal information, gain bank access or install malware, and that a logo alone does not show a page is accurate or endorsed. If an email asks for more information about a loan application, check that the application number matches your records.
Do not click links or open attachments from unknown senders. Look up contact details on sba.gov or with your lender and reach out directly.
Report suspicious messages to the SBA Office of Inspector General hotline through its website.
Next: SBA: protect yourself from scams
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Protect yourself from scams and fraud (SBA Office of Inspector General)
Someone offers a bridge loan or paid help while I wait for SBA funding. Should I accept?
Be cautious. SBA warns about anyone who promises SBA loan approval but requires payment up front, and about high-interest bridge loans offered while you wait.
SBA's fraud guidance also describes people who call or visit claiming to be SBA representatives or disaster inspectors and ask for money or private documents. SBA says its representatives never charge applicants.
You apply to SBA programs through SBA or an approved lender, so you should not need to pay a third party for access. If you do choose paid help, check who they are, get the price and terms in writing, and never pay for a promised approval.
To report suspected fraud, use the SBA Office of Inspector General hotline. This is general information.
Next: SBA: protect yourself from scams
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Protect yourself from scams and fraud (SBA Office of Inspector General)
Where do I report suspected SBA program fraud or identity theft?
Report it to the SBA Office of Inspector General hotline, and use the FTC for identity theft.
SBA says to report fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement involving SBA programs to the OIG hotline, and for suspected identity theft tied to SBA programs to use SBA's identity-theft reporting page and the FTC's identity theft site. SBA's Answer Desk and disaster customer service handle general questions, not fraud reports. For COVID-19 EIDL, SBA points to its report-fraud page.
Keep emails, application numbers, dates and payment records, and do not delete messages.
If you paid someone, contact your payment provider quickly. This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: SBA: protect yourself from scams
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Protect yourself from scams and fraud (SBA Office of Inspector General); SBA COVID relief
Where can I find real federal grants in the US?
Use Grants.gov. The FTC says the only place to find a list of federal grants is Grants.gov, which is free, and that real grants need an application and are for a specific purpose.
Grants.gov says eligibility is defined in each notice of funding opportunity, and that grants go to organizations such as state and local governments, universities, nonprofits and some businesses and individuals depending on the notice. USAGov adds that federal grants typically are not given to individuals for personal expenses.
Anyone charging for access to a federal grant list, or promising a grant, is a warning sign. Organizations can also ask their state or territory about local funding.
This is general information; it does not say you will qualify.
Next: Grants.gov
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Government grant scams (FTC consumer advice); Grants.gov eligibility; USAGov guidance
Can the government give me a free grant to pay my personal bills?
No, offers like that are generally scams. USAGov says federal grants typically are not given to individuals for personal expenses, and the FTC says offers of free money from government grants are scams.
Grants usually go to organizations such as nonprofits, universities, state and local governments, and businesses, for a specific purpose. USAGov warns that someone asking for personal information or money to get a grant or loan is probably a scam. Benefits for things like food, health care or housing are different programs with their own rules.
For genuine benefits, use USAGov's benefit finder. For business funding, start with official program pages.
Do not pay anyone for a promised grant.
Next: USAGov: government loans and grants
Sources (read 2026-11-01): USAGov guidance; Government grant scams (FTC consumer advice)
A big foundation emailed me offering a grant. Is that realistic?
Be sceptical. Many large foundations do not take or send unsolicited grant offers the way scammers describe.
For example, the Ford Foundation's page says it does not accept unsolicited grant proposals by mail, email or phone, that most of its grants are identified by the foundation itself, and that it currently lists no public grant opportunities. The FTC adds that agencies do not contact you out of the blue about grants, and that fees for a grant are a scam sign.
Check the foundation's official website, found by typing its name yourself, and look for the same opportunity there. Do not reply to links in the message or pay a processing fee.
This is one foundation's policy; others differ, so confirm each funder directly.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Ford Foundation opportunities; Government grant scams (FTC consumer advice)
Are advertised grants for weight loss, health or other products real?
They have been reported as fake. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre describes "weight loss grant" adverts that promise to cover most of a program's fee, tell everyone they qualify, then require an upfront fee to a "preferred vendor". No grant is paid.
The same pattern can be used for other products. The Centre's advice is never to send money before receiving a grant, and to treat requests for payment by email money transfer, money service business or prepaid card as a reason to stop contact.
A real funder explains its program, eligibility and application steps on its own official site, and does not steer you to a particular seller.
If you paid, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
What are the signs of a phishing message about funding?
Common signs are urgency, an unexpected offer of money or a refund, requests for personal or financial information, spelling errors, and sender names or addresses that look real but are spoofed.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre lists these, plus instructions to click a link, open an attachment, fill in a form or scan a QR code. It says not to click links or download attachments from unsolicited messages, and not to trust a message just because the address looks legitimate.
Phishing can arrive by email, text, social media or voice message, and often imitates banks, businesses or government agencies. If a funding message worries you, contact the organization using details you looked up yourself.
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, then delete it.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Phishing (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
Will a Canadian government agency email or text me an offer of funds?
No. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says the Government of Canada and law enforcement agencies will never contact you by email or e-transfer to offer funds, and that the Canada Revenue Agency will never ask for payment by text message.
The Centre notes that phishing often imitates the CRA, the RCMP or the Canada Border Services Agency, and uses urgency such as a refund waiting. Do not reply, click or pay.
If you think a message could be real, look up the agency's number or site yourself, and call or log in there. Official funding programs publish their steps on Canada.ca and the program's own page.
Report suspicious messages to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Next: Canada funding resources
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Phishing (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
I clicked a link in a suspicious funding email. What now?
Do not reply, and report it. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns that a link or attachment may infect your computer with a virus or malware, and advises you to report the message to the Centre and then delete it. If you became a victim of fraud, report that too.
That page does not list further technical steps, so also use your own security measures. Reasonable cautious steps include disconnecting the device, running your security software, and telling your bank if you shared financial details. Change passwords from a clean device.
Be more careful if you entered banking or login details: contact the bank or provider using details you found yourself.
For business accounts, tell whoever manages your IT. This is general information, not security advice.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Phishing (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
What is a directory or false-billing scam aimed at businesses?
It is an unsolicited invoice demanding payment for something you never ordered. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre calls it false billing.
In a directory scam, a caller confirms your company's address and phone number, then invoices you for a directory listing or renewal. The caller may record the first conversation and use it against you. Fraudsters assume you agreed to a sale.
Tell staff at every level to be wary of unsolicited calls, and limit payment authority to a small number of people. Check each invoice against purchase records before paying.
If you have been targeted, report it to the Centre. This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): False billing (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
What if unordered supplies arrive with an invoice?
Do not pay on the strength of the invoice. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre describes an office supplies scam, where a caller poses as your usual supplier or offers discounts, confirms your address, then ships supplies you never ordered with an invoice.
The Centre's suggested approach for unordered goods is to send a certified or registered letter asking for proof of the order. If none is provided, tell the sender you are keeping the goods as a gift. If proof exists, handle it as an ordered purchase. For inferior or overpriced goods, inspect them and reject by registered letter.
Consumer and business rules vary by province, so consider legal advice for a large amount.
Report the incident to the Centre.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): False billing (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
How should a business limit fraud risk when paying invoices?
Limit who can pay, check every invoice, and keep a list of real vendors.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre advises businesses to confirm invoices carefully, keep a list of legitimate vendors, avoid sharing business details on unsolicited calls, limit who can approve purchases and pay bills, and watch for unusually large, repeated or big-ticket orders. It also says not to trust caller ID, sender addresses or look-alike web addresses, and to hang up and call the organization directly.
These controls help whether the bait is an invoice or a funding offer. Add written sign-off for new payees and a second person for large payments.
This is general information, not a complete security plan.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Protect yourself from fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
Should I let someone remote into my computer to help with a funding application?
No, not an unknown person. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says never to give anyone remote access to your computer, and to ignore urgent pop-ups.
An application helper has no need to take over your device. Real programs run on their own portals or through your lender, and you can share documents through the channel the program names. Anyone who insists on remote access, banking logins or your passwords is a reason to stop.
Keep anti-virus software and your operating system updated, use strong unique passwords and multi-factor authentication.
If you have already allowed remote access, disconnect the device, tell your bank, and report to the Centre.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Protect yourself from fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
Why do funding scammers push me to decide right now?
Because urgency stops you checking. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre advises hanging up on high-pressure sales calls, asking for information in writing, and being wary of urgent pleas that play on emotions.
It also says to look up a company's contact information yourself and call to confirm, and not to give your name, address, birthdate, SIN or banking details to someone who called you unprompted. The FTC likewise says to check a lender's registration and search for complaints.
Real funders have published deadlines but give time to read terms, and they do not threaten you if you pause. Take at least a day, get everything in writing, and ask an adviser or accountant.
This is general information.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Protect yourself from fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre); What to know about advance-fee loans (FTC consumer advice)
Can caller ID or a website address prove who is contacting me?
No. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says not to trust caller ID, sender addresses or look-alike web addresses, because they can be spoofed.
Its advice is to hang up and call the organization directly, using a number you found yourself, and not to click links in texts or emails. SBA similarly says a logo alone does not prove a page is accurate or endorsed, and that its real emails end in @sba.gov.
For funding, type the program's official address yourself or reach it through a government site, and compare the details with what you were told.
If details do not match, stop and report it.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Protect yourself from fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre); Protect yourself from scams and fraud (SBA Office of Inspector General)
What should I do if I paid a funding scammer?
Act quickly. The FTC says to contact the company you used to send the money right away, tell them it was a scam, and ask for the payment to be reversed. The steps depend on how you paid.
For a credit or debit card, call the issuer and ask for a refund. For a bank transfer or Zelle, tell your bank and ask them to reverse it. For payment apps, report to the app. For wire transfers, gift cards and cryptocurrency, contact the company or issuer; for gift cards keep the card and receipt. The FTC notes that crypto lacks the same legal protections, so recovery can be difficult.
Then report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In Canada, report to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
No one can promise a refund.
Next: FTC: what to do if you were scammed
Sources (read 2026-11-01): What to do if you were scammed (FTC consumer advice)
I sent money by wire, gift card or cryptocurrency to a scammer. Can I recover it?
Maybe, but speed matters and nothing is certain.
The FTC says to report a wire transfer to the wire company immediately, explain that you were tricked, and ask for a refund. For gift cards, contact the issuer using the number on the card, explain that a scammer got the number and PIN, and keep the card and receipt. For cryptocurrency, contact the exchange or ATM operator and say the transaction was fraudulent, but the FTC warns that crypto lacks the legal protections of cards, so recovery can be difficult.
If cash went by US mail, contact the Postal Inspection Service quickly.
Then report to the FTC; in Canada, contact police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): What to do if you were scammed (FTC consumer advice)
Do I get protection if I paid a scammer by card?
Possibly. The FTC says that for a credit or debit card payment you should contact the issuer right away, using the number on the back of the card or your online account, and request a refund. It states that federal law protects you from unauthorized credit card and debit card use.
Whether a particular payment counts as unauthorized depends on the facts, and business cards can have different terms from consumer cards, so ask your issuer what applies. Report quickly, keep records of the offer, messages and amounts, and ask in writing.
Also report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In Canada, report to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): What to do if you were scammed (FTC consumer advice)
What should I do if I gave a scammer my Social Security number or identity details?
Report it, and use the FTC's identity theft site. The FTC says that if you gave a scammer your Social Security number and it was used, report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov. If the number wasn't used, or you're unsure, follow the data breach steps at IdentityTheft.gov/databreach.
Also report the scam itself at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC and SBA both say not to share Social Security, bank account or card numbers with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly about a grant or loan.
If an SBA program was involved, SBA has its own identity theft reporting page.
In Canada, details differ, so contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your bank.
Next: IdentityTheft.gov
Sources (read 2026-11-01): What to do if you were scammed (FTC consumer advice); Government grant scams (FTC consumer advice); Protect yourself from scams and fraud (SBA Office of Inspector General)
Where do I report a scam in the US?
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC says reports help law enforcement stop scammers and warn others.
Include what you can: names, phone numbers, websites, messages, payment methods, amounts and dates. If you also lost money, contact the payment provider as quickly as possible. If a federal program was impersonated, there may be an agency route too, such as the SBA Office of Inspector General for SBA-related fraud.
A funding enquiry form or a broker is not a reporting channel.
For Canada, see the answer on reporting funding fraud in Canada. This is general information.
Next: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Sources (read 2026-11-01): What to know about advance-fee loans (FTC consumer advice); Protect yourself from scams and fraud (SBA Office of Inspector General)
Do scammers target businesses that applied for loans online?
Yes, that has been reported. The FTC says scammers often target people who have applied for payday or other loans online, and they may buy those names.
So an unexpected call or message after you filled in an online form can still be a scam, even if it mentions your real details. Do not treat knowing your name or numbers as proof of legitimacy.
Before replying, check the caller through a regulator, search for complaints, and use only contact details you found independently. Hang up on robocalls that deliver a recorded sales pitch, and do not pay for a promise of credit.
Share personal data only with verified lenders.
Next: Funding safety answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): What to know about advance-fee loans (FTC consumer advice)
Where can I get free or low-cost help instead of paying a funding middleman?
Several official or nonprofit routes are free or low cost.
SBA says it provides free business counseling through its resource partner network, and its funding guide advises contacting several banks and credit unions and comparing offers. The FTC suggests nonprofit credit counseling, which is often free or low cost, and USAGov offers a phone line at 1-844-872-4681 for help finding government information. In Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre advises checking funding through official government sources such as Canada.ca.
You can send CELER an enquiry, but this is not a substitute for those official routes.
Ask any helper how they are paid, in writing, before sharing documents.
Next: Funding resources
Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA funding guide; What to know about advance-fee loans (FTC consumer advice); USAGov guidance; Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
Can anyone charge me to help get PPP forgiveness or COVID EIDL relief?
Be careful. SBA says neither the government nor lenders charge small businesses any fees, and to be cautious of anyone asking for upfront payment.
SBA states that the Paycheck Protection Program ended May 31, 2021, though existing borrowers may still seek forgiveness, and that COVID EIDL loans are now handled through the SBA Loan Portal and servicing channels. Forgiveness requests go through SBA's direct forgiveness portal or the lender. Neither is a new funding opening.
A business owner is free to hire an accountant, but should never pay to be told that a closed program has "new" money.
To report fraud use SBA's reporting pages.
Next: SBA: COVID-19 relief options
Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA COVID relief
Is a merchant cash advance that says "no collateral, no personal guarantee" safe to trust?
Do not take the claim at face value. In a 2020 FTC case against two MCA providers, the FTC alleged the companies falsely claimed MCAs required no collateral and no personal guarantee, kept taking daily payments after businesses had repaid, and withheld large fees from the advance.
These were allegations, not findings against every provider. The FTC's general advice is to review the repayment terms, fees, and any collateral or personal guarantee requirements before signing, especially with providers marketing quick money to businesses that cannot get bank loans.
Ask for the total repayment amount, how much you actually receive after fees, the daily or weekly debit, and how to stop debits after payoff. Consider independent advice first.
Next: Compare funding options
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Small businesses targeted with unauthorized withdrawals (FTC consumer alert, Aug 2020)
What should I do if a funder keeps debiting my account after I have repaid?
Act quickly and keep records. The FTC alleged in its 2020 MCA case that the companies kept taking daily payments from small business accounts after the businesses had repaid what they owed.
To check, compare your agreement's total repayment amount with what has been debited. If you have paid in full, write to the funder asking it to stop and confirm the balance, and tell your bank. Your bank can explain what authorizations or stop options exist for your account type.
Report suspected unlawful practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Because this can be a contract dispute, consider legal advice.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Small businesses targeted with unauthorized withdrawals (FTC consumer alert, Aug 2020); What to know about advance-fee loans (FTC consumer advice)
How do I verify a registered charity in Canada?
Search the Canada Revenue Agency's List of charities by name or nine-digit business number and check the status shown.
The default filter is "Registered". Use the drop-down to see other statuses, and add a city, province or postal code to narrow results. You can also enter a past date to see the status as of that day. Use letters and numbers only, and do not use an asterisk as a wildcard.
If you cannot find the organization, the CRA lists common reasons: you typed an abbreviation or a different name than the registered one, its application is still pending, or it is no longer registered. Ask the organization for its registration number or exact registered name and search again. Some qualified donees can issue donation receipts without being registered charities, so they sit on a separate list.
This is general information, not a ruling on any organization. Confirm details on the CRA page.
Next: Funding safety answers
Related: How do I report funding fraud in Canada?; How do I verify a US nonprofit's tax-exempt status?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Search tips for the List of Charities (CRA)
How do I verify a US nonprofit's tax-exempt status?
Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) and check the Pub. 78 data, which is the main list for deductible contributions.
TEOS holds five datasets: Form 990-series returns, Form 990-N e-Postcards, Pub. 78 data, the auto-revocation list and determination letters. Pub. 78 shows only the official name filed with the IRS, not "doing business as" names, and some eligible donees such as churches may not appear.
Each dataset has its own posting date, so recent changes may not show yet. As of 1 November 2026 the IRS page listed posting dates from late August to mid September 2026.
The dash in an EIN is optional. Put names in quotation marks and skip common words like "the". If a name is on the auto-revocation list, check whether it was reinstated before drawing a conclusion.
This is general information, not advice on a specific organization.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: How do I verify a registered charity in Canada?; Is a nonprofit on the IRS auto-revocation list proof it has lost tax-exempt status?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Search for tax exempt organizations (IRS TEOS)
What should I do if my SIN was shared with a fraudster in Canada?
File a police report, report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and contact both credit bureaus to place a fraud alert.
Employment and Social Development Canada lists these steps. Ask police for a case number, the officer's name and a copy of the report, which should include your name and your SIN or its last three digits. Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or at 1-888-495-8501. Contact TransUnion Canada (1-800-663-9980) and Equifax Canada (1-800-465-7166), request your report, and look for accounts or inquiries you did not make. Ask each bureau to add a fraud alert, which may carry a fee and tells creditors to contact you before opening new accounts.
Tell affected creditors and your bank. If your SIN was used to claim a government benefit, report it to that program.
The page advises against getting a new SIN, since several numbers can raise fraud risk. Check phone numbers on the official page.
Next: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: report fraud
Related: How do I report funding fraud in Canada?; What should I do if I gave a scammer my Social Security number or identity details?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): SIN fraud and data breaches
How do I spot a fake check or overpayment scam from a buyer or funder?
Treat any check that is larger than what you are owed, with a request to send part back, as a scam.
The FTC says scammers send a check, often for more than they owe, and ask you to return some money or pass it on. Stories vary: prize fees, a mystery shopper job, or an overpayment on something you sold. The check can look real, even to bank staff. Funds that show in your account do not prove the check is good, and fake checks can take weeks to be discovered. By then your money is gone and you may owe the bank.
Do not accept a check for more than the price, and do not send money from a check by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire. If you already sent money, contact the card issuer, wire company or crypto platform at once. Report to the FTC, the US Postal Inspection Service and your state attorney general. A real funder never needs you to send money back from a deposit.
Next: Funding safety answers
Related: What should I do if I paid a funding scammer?; I sent money by wire, gift card or cryptocurrency to a scammer. Can I recover it?; Where do I report a scam in the US?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): How to spot, avoid and report fake check scams
How do I check a funding company's complaint record before I pay it?
Search the company name with words like "scam" or "complaint", then check with your state attorney general before you pay anything.
The FTC suggests these basic checks for any business offer or coaching program. Look at reviews, but treat testimonials with care, since they may be fake. Research the coach's credentials and talk to current or former customers. A lack of complaints does not prove a company is honest.
Be wary of anyone who wants your card or bank details before you can ask questions, or who keeps asking for more money after you join. Talk to someone you trust before signing.
If something feels wrong, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the attorney general in your state and in the promoter's state. For legitimate help planning a business, the FTC points to the Small Business Administration and SCORE. This does not replace advice from your own lawyer or accountant.
Next: Funding safety answers
Related: What are the warning signs of a fake business-opportunity or franchise funding pitch?; Where can I get free or low-cost help instead of paying a funding middleman?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): When a business offer or coaching program is a scam
Should I get a new SIN after my SIN was stolen?
Usually not. The federal SIN page advises against getting a new SIN after fraud.
Employment and Social Development Canada says having more than one SIN can increase fraud risk. It also says you do not have to report SIN fraud to the SIN Program. The recommended route is to protect the number you have: file a police report, report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and ask TransUnion Canada and Equifax Canada to add a fraud alert so creditors contact you before opening new accounts. Check your credit reports for accounts and inquiries you did not make, and ask creditors to close accounts you did not open.
If the number was used to claim a government benefit, tell that program so payments can be stopped. A funding application that asks for your SIN should be sent only to a party you have verified. Check the current wording on the official page before acting.
Next: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: report fraud
Related: What should I do if my SIN was shared with a fraudster in Canada?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): SIN fraud and data breaches
How can I tell that I am dealing with the real CELER?
Check that the contact matches the details on celerfunding.com, and remember that CELER describes itself as a broker, not a lender.
Its terms page says Celer Merchants Corporation operates the site, that it refers businesses in Canada and the United States to independent lenders and funding companies, and that it does not make credit decisions. The listed channels are 1-888-705-7896, hello@celerfunding.com, an office at 1250 René-Lévesque Blvd West, 22nd Floor, Montréal, and the "Get matched" form on the site.
The terms say CELER does not charge businesses a fee, and that lenders may pay CELER a fee or commission when a referred business is funded, which may affect which offers appear. Rates, terms and approval come from each lender.
The terms page does not discuss impersonation. If a message does not match these channels, do not pay or send documents; verify through the site first. You can send CELER an enquiry through the site form.
Next: How this site is reviewed
Related: How can I recognize a government grant scam?; How do I check that a lender is legitimate?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Current CELER terms
What should I do about spam texts or calls offering business loans?
Hang up, do not press any key, block the number, and report the call.
The FTC says a robocall trying to sell you something is generally illegal unless you gave written permission. Caller ID can be faked, and pressing a key to talk to someone or be removed will likely bring more calls. Block the number with your carrier's or phone's call-blocking tools. In the US, report at DoNotCall.gov with the number, any callback number, and the date and time. The Do Not Call Registry mainly deters legitimate telemarketers and will not stop scammers.
A caller who demands wire, gift card, payment app or crypto payment is a scammer. Never give bank or card details to an unexpected caller about funding.
In Canada, report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online. This page covers US call rules only; it does not describe Canadian spam or telemarketing rules.
Next: Funding safety answers
Related: Can caller ID or a website address prove who is contacting me?; Where do I report a scam in the US?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Robocalls (FTC consumer advice); How to report fraud and scams in Canada
Can I complain to a regulator about a misleading funding advertisement?
Yes. In Canada you can file a report with the Competition Bureau, and in the US you can report to the FTC and your state attorney general.
The Competition Bureau accepts reports of false or misleading marketing through its online form or at 1-800-348-5358. It also notes that it does not investigate many scams itself. For fraud, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is the main national reporting point, and local police should be called if you lost money. If you paid, tell your financial institution right away. If the ad ran on a website or app, use that platform's report function.
In the US, the FTC says to report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to alert your state attorney general.
A complaint does not guarantee a refund or an investigation of your case. Keep screenshots, dates and payment records.
Next: Funding safety answers
Related: How do I report funding fraud in Canada?; Where do I report a scam in the US?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): How to report fraud and scams in Canada; Scams and Your Small Business
Is a nonprofit on the IRS auto-revocation list proof it has lost tax-exempt status?
No. The IRS says being on the auto-revocation list does not necessarily show an organization's current status.
Status is revoked automatically after three years of missed required filings, but the organization may have been reinstated since the revocation date. The IRS tells users to confirm through other sources: Pub. 78 data, a determination letter, or the EO BMF extract. Reinstatement is recognised if the IRS approves the application.
For a donor or grant-maker, that means checking more than one TEOS dataset before deciding. Each dataset has its own posting date, so very recent changes may not show.
If you are the nonprofit and find your name listed, contact the IRS about reinstatement and keep records of your filings. This is general information, not a determination about any organization or tax advice.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: How do I verify a US nonprofit's tax-exempt status?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Search for tax exempt organizations (IRS TEOS)
What are the warning signs of a fake business-opportunity or franchise funding pitch?
The main warning signs are promised income, pressure to decide fast, and requests for payment before you can ask questions.
The FTC says guaranteed income, large returns or a "proven system" usually mean a scam. Other signs: unverifiable success figures, false ties to well-known companies, a focus on recruiting others, "turnkey" claims that you need not understand the business, and repeated requests for more money.
Before buying in, ask what you would sell, how the business earns income, what your specific costs are, and when you could expect a profit. Search the company name with "complaint", check your state attorney general, and talk it over with someone you trust.
Report suspected fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your attorney general. Nothing here means a particular pitch is lawful or unlawful. CELER does not sell business opportunities.
Next: Funding safety answers
Related: How do I check a funding company's complaint record before I pay it?; Why do funding scammers push me to decide right now?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): When a business offer or coaching program is a scam
Can a funding consultant guarantee that I will win a grant?
No. Nobody outside the funder can guarantee a grant, and a promise of one is a warning sign.
The FTC says offers of free government grant money are scams, that real grants need an application and a specific purpose, and that no agency demands a fee for a grant. Canada's anti-fraud centre says government grants and loans are free to apply for, and that private companies take no part in approving them. A consultant can help you prepare an application, but the funder alone decides.
Be careful with anyone who asks you to pay before anything is delivered, or who contacts you unexpectedly about a grant. Check the funding on the official government page, and see whether the fee and the scope of work are in a written contract.
Whether a consultant's fee structure is lawful depends on the place and is a question for a lawyer.
Next: Funding safety answers
Related: How can I recognize a government grant scam?; A website that looks like a Government of Canada page offers grant access. Is it real?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Government grant scams (FTC consumer advice); Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
What if a government program page says funding is open but I cannot confirm it?
Confirm it on the program's own official page, and treat anything else as unverified. Funding programs open and close, and an old post or advert can look current.
The FTC says real grants require an application and a specific purpose, and the only place to find a list of federal grants is Grants.gov. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre advises checking funding through official government sources such as Canada.ca. Note that Paycheck Protection Program applications ended May 31, 2021, according to SBA, so any advert saying it is open now is wrong.
Look for the intake dates, the notice number, and an official contact. If you cannot find them, assume it is not current and ask the agency directly using details from its own site.
Next: Funding answers
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Government grant scams (FTC consumer advice); Grant and loan fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre); SBA COVID relief
What CELER is and is not. celerfunding.com is operated by Celer Merchants Corporation. We are not a lender, grantmaker, government agency, investment portal or licensed adviser, and we are not an official partner of the programs mentioned here. This page is general information, not legal, tax, investment or credit advice. A CELER enquiry is not an official grant or loan application.