You Can Help Us Stop PCH Scams!
At Publishers Clearing House we take consumer protection and the fraudulent use of our good name in PCH scams very seriously. We’re working with authorities to stop these scams and doing everything we can to educate and protect fans like you!
Well, it turns out we’re not alone. Just a few days ago, we came across a blog post from Toni H., a blogger who was contacted by a PCH scammer. Titled “From Millionaire To Broke In 3 Hours With PCH Scam,” her blog post urges readers to beware of these scammers and come together to stop them.
I knew I had to find out more about Toni’s scam experience so I could share it with all of you. Below is my interview with her. Please note that all the graphics displayed were sent by the scammers, not the real PCH!
Amanda: Before writing your blog, had you ever entered our PCH Sweeps?
Toni: I had not thought about Sweepstakes for some time. Not because I do not believe in the magic, I do. In the past, except maybe the last 10 years, I entered every chance I had.
Amanda: How were you contacted about the PCH scam?
Toni: Through a series of emails. I thought this odd since I’d never before seen an email from Publishers Clearing House, but it felt credible. That’s a key thing I think, we do not as consumers realize how good these people attempting to scam us are in terms of masquerading themselves as legitimate.
Amanda: What did the e-mail say?
Toni: They told me I had won. They asked for my name, age, gender and address, which also contained information of their supposed credible details and how I was chosen to win.
Amanda: Did they ask you to send money?
Toni: They did ask for money, but not until they believed I was hooked. Once they had the information requested (name, age, etc…), I received the shocking amount needed to ship my check and the envelope. They even had the weight of each item (paper) and what the cost was for each. An itemized statement for what it would cost me to win!
Amanda: How did you know it was a scam?
Toni: The request that I keep my winnings confidential. Why would PCH want me to stay quiet about winning? And another item that caught my suspicious eyes is that this is because of their “security protocol to avoid multiple claims”. Absolutely one of the biggest things that stood out was having to “Pay To Win”.
Amanda: Is there anything else that might help others spot PCH scams?
Toni: The lack of punctuation and the vernacular of the writer was off. The fact that there was a third-party involved from England, UK, and that it was a securities company also raised my eyebrows.
Amanda: What final words of advice do you have for others?
Toni: It takes little out of us to pass forward details that you become aware of that might save one person some stress and heartache concerning scams in this world.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Toni! As for you blog readers, I hope you will be smart like Toni was and look out for warning signs like scammers asking for money. Remember, you NEVER need to pay a dime to claim a Publishers Clearing House prize! If you ever receive a suspicious letter, email or telephone call where someone is fraudulently claiming to be from PCH, please contact us. And if you want to help us spread the word about PCH scams and keep more people safe, please share this blog with your family and friends.
Amanda C.
PCH Creative
P.S. ONLY 6 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER!
