Publishers Clearing House scam

Publishers Clearing House has opened their sweepstakes with an opportunity to win cash and prizes. However, scammers are trying to take advantage.

One local resident fell victim to a scam associated with the sweepstakes.

It started with a phone call saying they were a big winner in the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.

All they needed to do was get a Green Dot Moneypak card and pay for the taxes and insurance on the car in order to claim their prize.

However, these calls are originating from Jamaica with an area code of 876 and you will never receive your prize.

Unfortunately, there is no way to recover your losses either. These scam calls are increasing since the sweepstakes is currently in progress and are playing off the Publishers Clearing House name to try and steal your money.

Some tips to keep in mind:

PCH doesn’t email or call to let you know you’re a winner. You will be notified live and in person by the Prize Patrol.

You never have to pay to win a prize. If you do, then it’s not a prize.

Be on the lookout for fake text messages and Facebook profiles from PCH.

You can call PCH at 800-392-4190 to report the scam, and can contact BBB at 573-886-8965 for more information.