According to a Florida woman, she is recorded as receiving a $3.4m COVID grant, a relief cheque for which she never qualified and never applied.
Amy Williams, a Holly Hill resident, said she was in shock that her name and an old location wound up in a federal database. Thereby, claiming she earned millions in COVID Restaurant Revitalization Funds for a catering business. Williams has never applied for grants, received any money, or worked in the restaurant industry.
According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Williams is at the top of a list of 31 Daytona Beach firms that got COVID grant relief monies. Also, allegedly receiving the largest payment for a catering business she does not own.
She also stated that she hasn’t resided at the address provided on the cheque for about eight years.
According to the article, the second-highest check in the area went to a beachside party venue for approximately $560,000.
Williams’ husband is a restaurant cook, but that is their only connection to the culinary world. That eatery, too, did not receive any assistance.
“I don’t have any money,” said Williams. “I’d really love to know how this happened.”
While battling breast cancer, the 44-year-old was unemployed for three years. She had lately started working at a gas station. She and her spouse also share a small flat with their three children.
The SBA declined to comment on the erroneous check. Then stating that the agency’s Office of Inspector General and federal partners are working aggressively to remedy fraud incidents.
