Beware PCH Scams Like The Green Dot MoneyPak Prepaid Card Scam!
Hi blog readers! When we talk about scams and frauds, we often tell consumers to be wary of anyone who asks you to pay to claim a prize. That is one of the biggest red flags when it comes to identifying a scam. Remember: with Publishers Clearing House, and any legal sweepstakes, you NEVER have to pay any amount for any reason to claim a prize.
Well today we want to warn you about a new kind of PCH Scams involving prepaid cards. You see, some scammers are no longer directly asking victims for money for a fake prize – but they are still trying to get their hands on your hard-earned cash. Pre-paid card scams are being used more and more frequently to swipe victim’s money. And it all happens very quickly. Fortunately though, we’ve heard a lot about how these PCH scams work and can share that information with you to help you keep safe!
It often works like this: someone claiming to be a PCH representative contacts you and informs you that you’ve won a big PCH prize. But in order to claim that prize, you must go out to Walmart or a convenience store to purchase a prepaid card. You’re instructed to put a certain amount of money on the card and then provide the card number to the “reps.” Once these fraudsters have the card number, they’ll wipe the card clean of the money on it and disappear. You’ll never see your alleged prize OR the money spent on the card again. Yikes!
This scam has even spread to Facebook where imposters who are pretending to be the Prize Patrol are trying to trick fans like you into sending money! Take a look at the screenshot below from an imposter Dave Sayer on Facebook.
Blog readers, DO NOT FALL FOR THESE PCH SCAMS! Green Dot Money Pak is NOT associated with Publishers Clearing House in any way. So if you hear that name or receive a friend request from someone claiming to be a PCH Prize Patrol member who has pictures of the Green Dot card on his or her page and are telling you to send money, it’s definitely a SCAM! Remember that PCH would NEVER ask a winner to provide us with any money before claiming the prize. We’re giving the money to you, not the other way around!
So be alert, be vigilant, and be aware of the signs. And as always, if you’re ever in doubt, let us know! We’ll be happy to help.
Laura Wolfe @PCH
P.S. Remember, the only official PCH Prize Patrol page is the PCH Prize Patrol Fan Page on Facebook!
