Authorities in Maine said Monday that people should be aware of telephone scam artists posing as officials of the federal government handing out grants.

Belfast police Detective Michael McFadden said he was alerted to two instances of the scam reported during the weekend.

In both cases, people were contacted by telephone by callers posing as government officials offering $10,000 to $12,000 grants.

In order to receive the cash, the person is supposed to send the caller money for taxes in advance. Those who fall for the scam never receive the grant.

McFadden said the callers are likely from outside the United States, and “there’s very little we can do about it.” He urged people against taking the callers seriously.

In another instance a week ago, a Belfast resident appeared at the police station with a $12,000 “government” check that turned out to be a forgery.

That person had been communicating on the Internet with someone from Nigeria. The person was asked to cash the check and send a portion of the money back to Africa. Had she done so, she would have been responsible for the entire amount.

“People should not be sending money to people, or if they get a check they should check it out carefully before they cash it,” McFadden said Monday. “These people are getting more aggressive in their pursuit of victims.”