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Bogus Publishers Clearing House Scammers Strike Again

Posted/updated on: January 1, 2015 at 3:46 pm
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Better Business BureauTYLER The Better Business Bureau cautions consumers of reports of phone calls from con-artists pretending to be from the official Publishers Clearing House (PCH) or from the U.S. Post Office announcing winnings from PCH. These bogus phone calls inform customers that they have won a major prize. The winners are instructed to wire hundreds of dollars in order to claim their prize. Once the money is received, the caller states that the PCH team will arrive to deliver their winnings. The calls are originating from an 876 area code, which is in Jamaica. But, its all a scam.

Scammers continue to add new twists to the old tried-and-true frauds, even using Google satellite maps to describe the winners residence, said Mechele Agbayani, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. BBB reminds consumers to be extra cautious, because in most cases, they have nothing to win and much to lose.

BBB has the following word of caution for consumers who are thinking about responding to a lottery:
If you do not remember entering a lottery or sweepstakes, its not likely youve won.
Beware of lotteries or sweepstakes that charge a fee prior to delivering your prize.
Be wary of demands to send additional money as a requirement to be eligible for future winnings.
BBB’s advice if you receive a letter, email or phone call from someone claiming to be Publishers Clearing House:
One the easiest things to do is to look up the PCH phone number yourself (from a trusted source like BBB) and give them a call; representatives from PCH should be able to verify if the letter you’re holding is legitimate or if it’s a scam.
According to PCH, winning entrants of the contest must be located and sign an Affidavit of Eligibility within 30 days of being chosen as the winner or another entrant will be selected.
PCH will never send out winning notices by email or phone calls. They will only contact major prize winners in person; smaller prize winners are notified by FedEx, UPS or certified mail.
If the phone call or letter you’ve received asks for money, bear in mind that the real PCH says; “winning is always free.” Consumers should never wire money to an unknown individual or company in order to receive something in return.
While this scam predominantly takes advantage of individuals, business owners also need to be aware that their company’s name could potentially be used by fraudsters to pull off this con. The fraudulent checks sent to the supposed prize winners with the letter are copies of checks from legitimate businesses which have been stolen by the scammers.

If you believe you have received a suspicious letter or email from a fake sweepstakes or wish to report another fraudulent activity, please call the BBB Hotline: 903-581-8373.



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