Predatory Service Provider
Beware of Predatory Grant Consultant "GrantSpider.com"
I am writing this to save my colleagues time and energy.
Recently, I was approached by GrantSpider (specifically an agent named Matteo). They cited my recent work in Nature Communications, claiming my profile fit specific Horizon Europe funding lines.
The outreach seemed tailored, but the interaction quickly turned predatory.
The "Predatory Grant Consultants Pattern":
The Hook: They email you praising your specific paper to build false trust.
The Pitch: They offered collaboration.
The Drop: We scheduled a meeting to discuss collaboration. However, prior to the meeting, I explicitly stated that I would not pay upfront consulting fees (€1000+) and would only agree to a success-fee model (payment only if the grant is awarded).
The Ghosting: Immediately after I refused to pay upfront, they canceled the meeting and vanished.
GrantSpider appear to be hunting for researchers willing to pay upfront fees for "consulting," regardless of the grant outcome. They are not interested in the scientific merit of your work or genuine collaboration.
If you receive an email from them regarding your recent publication, do not engage. They are looking for customers, not collaborators.
17 de diciembre de 2025
Opinión espontánea