Advice From A Real Winner On How To Spot PCH Scams!
Natalie, a real winner from Publishers Clearing House, gives advice on how you can identify PCH Scams!
Hey there, PCH Fans!
Another SuperPrize event has come and gone, but remember that there’s always another big Giveaway around the corner!
Unfortunately, that also means that scammers will be as well.
What do I mean?
If you’re on our PCH Fan Page on Facebook, you might unfortunately have already been contacted by one. Here are some tips to keep you SAFE online!
When using the official PCH Fan Pages, do NOT post your personal information. What would be considered personal? Your email address, your mailing address and your phone number. Why is this important? The scammers consider this an open invitation to contact you. If you need assistance, please call customer service, or go to info.pch.com/customer-service.
OK – so you know what NOT to post. But you just received a friend request from Dave! Or from Danielle! Or from Todd! Yay, right? WRONG!
The REAL Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol members do NOT send out friend requests. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a Prize Patrol member, REPORT and BLOCK them right away! They are scammers! Here’s a helpful tutorial on how to report Publishers Clearing House scams on Facebook.
“But I don’t even USE Facebook. So I’ll be fine, right?” Well, more than likely. However, the scammers still use the more traditional methods like the mail or phone as well. Trust me, I know! After I won in 2008, my mother-in-law started receiving calls. Our first initial is the same, and we’re neighbors. They told her, “Yep, you won before, and wow, you won again!” Luckily, my mother-in-law is sharp. She saw through it immediately.
“Well, sure, but Dave called me PERSONALLY and said that I needed to head to my nearest drug store to preload a card to pay for my taxes…”
NOPE. THAT’S A SCAM. When the Prize Patrol visited me, they handed ME a check. With ANY legitimate sweepstakes, you do NOT have to pay a fee to collect your prize!
Remember the BIG rule – if you were to win a major prize ($10,000 and up) from PCH, you’d be getting a SURPRISE visit from the famous Prize Patrol!
If you still have questions regarding scams and fraud, here is a good resource:
http://info.pch.com/consumer-information/fraud-protection
What other tips can you offer to spot the scammers? Give us your suggestions below!
Be Vigilant!
Natalie Bostelman
2008 SuperPrize Winner
PCH Goodwill Ambassador
