To synopsize, I applied for a San Bernardino County small business relief/grant upwards of three months ago, via AmPac.
Shortly after submitting, AmPac again requested my tax documents, even though those returns had been successfully uploaded within the original application. (The AmPac platform confirmed receiving my docs the first time.)
Though it could've been an AI issue, straightaway the duplication gave me pause: an opaque Third Party now possessed my most sensitive tax docs, as well as bank account information. Moreover, AmPac requested my US passport (with photos).
In response, I wrote AmPac three times requesting substantiation: either that they act in concert with San Bernardino County; or that they cite an individual, within county government, who can confirm a relationship.
No one at AmPac replied. Not one follow-up, save for the automated prompt to reapply.
Without proof of legitimacy--from either AmPac or The County--I can't help but feel the awful dread of being made vulnerable to an elaborate identity theft/data mining operation.
Please, don't get burned. read more