Publishers Clearing House is the REAL deal― a legitimate sweepstakes company that has awarded more than $225 Million in Cash and Prizes so far! Unfortunately, sometimes criminals try to cash in on our good name and trick unsuspecting people like you with Publishers Clearing House Scams. While they may be convincing, here are 5 foolproof ways to know for sure if an offer is from the REAL PCH — or if it’s a Publishers Clearing House Scam.
1. If you’re required to wire or pay any amount of money in order to claim a prize, it’s a Publishers Clearing House Scam. PCH sweepstakes are ALWAYS FREE to enter, and there is never any fee associated with winning.
2. If you’re asked to load up a Green Dot MoneyPak or other money transfer card, in exchange for claiming your prize, it’s a Publishers Clearing House Scam. Again, PCH will NEVER ask you to pay a cent to collect a prize.
3. If someone tries to contact you in advance regarding a prize delivery, it’s a Publishers Clearing House Scam! After all, that would ruin the surprise! For decades, our Prize Patrol has captured the elated reactions of surprised winners and used them in our nationally-televised commercials. You’ll know you’re a big PCH winner if you see the Prize Patrol at your front door holding a “Big Check” with your name on it!
4. If someone calls you on the telephone claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House and says you have won, it’s a Publishers Clearing House Scam. Do NOT give them any personal information! As stated above, the Prize Patrol awards all our Big Prizes in person and would never call you to update any personal information in our files.
5. If someone claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House tries to send you a friend request on Facebook, it’s a Publishers Clearing House Scam. Even if they are using the name and photo of a prominent PCH employee ―do NOT believe them. Our PCH employees and official PCH Prize Patrol Fan pages will never private message you on Facebook.
So fans, keep these 5 tips in mind, and you’ll be protected against Publishers Clearing House Scams. If you have more questions about whether something is legitimate or a scam, please visit our FAQ page. And if you’ve been contacted by a scammer, please fill out a Scam Incident Report.
And remember, you can’t WIN if you’re not IN! So, keep entering the PCH Sweepstakes daily.
All the best!
Elaina R.
PCH Online Creative
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I have received phone calls from (608)490-5096 claiming to be Dave Sayer stating I have won 2.5 million along with 5k/week for life and a 2022 Mercedes Benz car.
Hello Brian, Please report all scam contacts to PCH via this link: http://bit.ly/Report-Scam-To-PCH. Thank you!!
I was called saying I had an unclaimed prize of 8$50,000 and $7000 weekly and wants to deliver it Friday but I have to pay $150 in a fee that’s refunded.
Hi Arlen! That is not the real PCH calling you; it’s a scammer that’s only pretending to be from PCH. Please do not call that number, do not give the scammer any personal info including bank account information, and definitely do not send them any money if they ask. If you haven’t already done so, please report that scam contact to us via the following link: http://bit.ly/Report-Scam-To-PCH. I encourage you to read these Safety Tips too: https://bit.ly/FraudProtection2. Please be careful everyone; don’t become a scammer’s victim!
A John Kennedy called said he was from PC does he work there I.D. Number 2058.
Hello Vicki! That is not the real PCH calling you; it’s a scammer that’s only pretending to be from PCH. Please do not call them back, do not give the scammer any personal info including bank account information, and definitely do not send them any money if they ask. If you haven’t already done so, please report that scam contact to us via the following link: http://bit.ly/Report-Scam-To-PCH. I encourage you to read these Safety Tips too: https://bit.ly/FraudProtection2. Please be careful everyone; don’t become a scammer’s victim!
I was contacted by mail by a Frank Goodman saying I had won $850000 thru PCH’s contest. I was asked to get cash in the amt of $6850.00 with my letter was a check for $7897.28 which I deposited into my bank account with PCH’s logo on top left of check.. is this for real or another scam?
Hi Gary, I’m sorry to say that’s a scam. The real PCH doesn’t notify our major prize winners via phone, standard mail, email, or social media, and we never ask for money to claim a prize. Please report any details you have about that scam contact to us at this link: http://bit.ly/Report-Scam-To-PCH. I also encourage you to check out these Safety Tips for some great info on what to watch for: https://bit.ly/FraudProtection2. Stay safe everyone!!
Its almost the holidays and scammers call my home on a daily basis and if I don’t answer they will leave message that I need to contact them! Im thinking there has to be a way too stop this? If you have any ideas please let me know? I always hang up but if they leave a message it always shows name unavailable? I could spend all day writing numbers they call from. I know PCH is legit and love responding to sweepstakes, but this cannot go on. We have a business and this is my phone not theirs. What can we do to detour and eliminate them frauds??
Hello Diana, That is not the real PCH calling you; it’s a scammer that’s only pretending to be from PCH. Please do not call that number, do not give the scammer any personal info including bank account information, and definitely do not send them any money if they ask. If you haven’t already done so, please report that scam contact to us via the following link: http://bit.ly/Report-Scam-To-PCH. I encourage you to read these Safety Tips too: https://bit.ly/FraudProtection2. Please be careful everyone; don’t become a scammer’s victim!
I received a phone call yesterday a e-mail that I was a second place winner of 2.7 million dollars and that I would need to pay 1200 for insurance. The phone number was ($$$) $$$-$$$$, Puandome Manor NY. I did not give personal info and told him that I would not send 1200 dollars or give him my bank account number for a direct deposit. The e-mail got listed Dave Sayer would assist in this process. Is this for real or a scam. Thank you
Hello Harold! That is not the real PCH calling you; it’s a scammer that’s only pretending to be from PCH. Please do not call that number, do not give the scammer any personal info including bank account information, and definitely do not send them any money. If you haven’t already done so, please report that scam contact to us via the following link: http://bit.ly/Report-Scam-To-PCH. I encourage you to read these Safety Tips too: https://bit.ly/FraudProtection2. Please be careful everyone; don’t become a scammer’s victim!
On 11/11/22 I received a check dated 10/27/2022 in the amount of $9,895.18. Also, the letter states that I am one of your (PCI) Lucky Winners!! The grand prize winnings are supposedly $750,000.00. A check with Huntington Bank heading in the amount of 9,895.18 is enclosed. I am advised to contact Mr. Robert Cook (claims agent) for method of payment.
The letter is signed by: Publisher Clearing House Sweepstakes
Deborah Holland
Executive Vice President
Hello Alice! That is definitely a scam, PCH would never send you a check like that. Please report all contacts from scammers to PCH via this link: http://bit.ly/Report-Scam-To-PCH. PCH does partner with the Federal Trade Commission and we send all scam reports to them so please make sure you let us know anytime a scammer contacts you. Remember, the real PCH never notifies major prize winners via phone, standard mail, email, or social media, and we never ask winners to pay to claim their prize. You can see more Safety Tips here: https://bit.ly/FraudProtection2. Please be careful everyone; don’t become a scammer’s victim.
Yes, I had a text that I had won and needed to call a number. So glad I read about the scam, and didn’t call!
Hello Yvone! Please report all contacts from scammers to PCH via this link: http://bit.ly/Report-Scam-To-PCH. PCH does partner with the Federal Trade Commission and we send all scam reports to them so please make sure you let us know anytime a scammer contacts you. Remember, the real PCH never notifies major prize winners via phone, text, standard mail, email, or social media, and we never ask winners to pay to claim their prize. You can see more Safety Tips here: https://bit.ly/FraudProtection2. Please be careful everyone; don’t become a scammer’s victim.
I’ve been contacted that I won 4.5million and a 2022 Mercedes Benz but in order for me to get the certified check I had to pay $499.99 fee for the FCC and FDIC to put the check in my bank. I want to know the website where to send this information, so these people won’t get another person’s hope and prayers up only to be let down.
Hello Melitsa, The real PCH doesn’t notify our major prize winners via phone, standard mail, email, or social media, and we never ask for money to claim a prize. Please report any details you have about that scam contact to us at this link: http://bit.ly/Report-Scam-To-PCH. I also encourage you to check out these Safety Tips for some great info on what to watch for: https://bit.ly/FraudProtection2. Stay safe everyone!!
Elaine R.,
Thank you for the suggestions when you receive a PCH message. I have been contacted in those ways and now, I just hang up or delete those messages. Now, it seems that someone is using something to keep all messages from Publisher’s Clearing House off of my list, since I see that PCH has sent a message, but it disappears quickly, without me touching any keys or trying to delete it. (I have been trying to enter as many PCH contests that I can.)
Thank you for your response to this. ‘Have a great day!
Elizabeth/Beth Z, Columbia, S.C.
Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for contacting PCH. In order for us to assist you with your question we will need a bit more information. We kindly ask that you contact us at your convenience. Our customer service representatives may be reached at http://bit.ly/ContactPCH between Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 11 PM & Saturday 8:30 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time. You may also reach out by using our Digital Assistant that can also be found at the link we provided. We look forward to hearing from you.
Congratulations!!!
I want to inform you that your name and number was drawn electronically, This notification letter is to inform you that your ticket number $$$$$$$$$$$ was randomly selected as Publishers Clearing House (PCH), You are eligible to claim up to $150.000,00 Kindly confirm receipt of this notification letter by forwarding your details to the claims department. This promotion is licensed the Publishers Clearing House (PCH) This promotional award of prize drawing and we intend to sensitive the public. Kindly text “YES” to agent James Best on this number ($$$) $$$-%%%% to fill up the claims and requirements form to get winnings money deliver to you.
This is a scam right?
Hi Jeanaprestine! You’re right, that’s definitely a scam. The real PCH doesn’t notify our major prize winners via phone, standard mail, email, or social media, and we never ask for money to claim a prize. Please report any details you have about that scam contact to us at this link: http://bit.ly/Report-Scam-To-PCH. I also encourage you to check out these Safety Tips for some great info on what to watch for: https://bit.ly/FraudProtection2. Stay safe everyone!!