By BladenOnline team
According to residents, Publishers Clearing House fraudsters are targeting Bladen County, and according to reports, these type of scams have increased by 240%.
The scammers call victims over the phone and promise new cars and millions in cash, but they are not legitimate Publishers Clearing House (PCH) representatives. They try to persuade callers to send them money, gift cards from big box stores, or ask them to provide sensitive information that they can use for identity theft and fraud.
Publishers Clearing House (PCH) does exist and has marketed to Americans since 1967 and given away more than a billion dollars in prizes.
According to reports, PCH continues to give away between $3 million and $13 million to Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes participants every year. However, scam artists are using PCH’s name and brand recognition to trick people into giving up money and personal data.
Most recently, a BladenOnline reader explained how the PCH scammer tried to trick her. The scammers called her, telling her she had won $2 million and a new car. They asked her for her personal information. Then they asked her for payment in gift cards from popular stores.
PCH will never require winners to pay money to receive their prizes. You will not be charged fees or taxes before you claim your prize.
If you feel a scammer has contacted you, hang up. Be aware there are no fees or charges if you win from PCH.
Also, never give out personal or sensitive financial data to callers claiming you won a prize. For a comprehensive list of ways to avoid PCH scams, visit the official PCH website. If you receive something from PCH you believe to be fraudulent, fill out this PCH scam form.
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