Cole Co. Sheriff warns of Publisher’s Clearing House Scam

The Cole County Sheriff’s Department is warning people about a Publisher’s Clearing House scam.

Callers are telling people they have won a grand prize of nearly $10 million, and that they need to pay the tax on the winnings up front.

Callers are telling victims they need to take $9,500 out of their bank accounts immediately. Once they get the money, the scammers said they’ll send a driver to pick up the money along with 2 FBI agents to give them their winning check.

The scammers then call the winner back and explain why they can’t come to their house, and tell victims to buy a prepaid card.

The callers are telling victims their names are James Holley and Tony.

They may also ask victims personal information, including what kind of car they drive, whether or not they own their home, and their email address.

The callers are telling victims they’re from New York City.

The phone numbers the scammers may be using can be traced back to Jamaica. Those numbers are 1-876-430-3031 and 1-876-585-1311.

Publisher’s Clearing House said if someone does win their contest, they will surprise the winner by coming to their house and not contact them prior to coming. They also said they will neve the winner pay for anything.