Important Message: Protect Yourself From Scammers!

Last Updated: January 3, 2017

Most of us are trusting in nature and prefer to give each other the benefit of the doubt.  However, as we start a new year on the official PCHblog, please be forewarned  that sadly there are sweepstakes scammers out there who want nothing more than to take away your hard-earned money!  They attempt to trick or fool you into believing that they are PCH employees – or even members of our famous Prize Patrol.

Yes, it’s scary to think that there are people out there like that, but unfortunately it’s true.  The best way to protect yourself against sweepstakes scammers is to know the facts. So here are a few important tips:

PCH Employees NEVER Send Friend Requests on Social Media:

NEVER accept a Facebook friend request from Publishers Clearing House.  If you receive a friend request – even if it looks like it’s coming directly from the Prize Patrol – beware – it’s a SCAM! In fact, always make sure you’re on the real PCH Fan Page on Facebook.  You’ll notice the blue check mark in the top left hand corner letting you know it’s legitimate.

Do NOT engage in Twitter or Instagram conversations with people pretending to be from PCH.  We would NEVER contact you this way!

You Never Have to Pay to Claim a PCH Prize:

The easiest way to spot a sweepstakes scam is if you are asked to pay or wire money to claim a prize.  Remember, at Publishers Clearing House the winning is ALWAYS FREE, and there are NEVER any fees to claiming a prize – EVER!  If someone tells you that you’ve won a prize, but that in order to claim it you need to give them money for any reason – STOP – it’s a SCAM!

If you are asked to purchase a Green Dot MoneyPak prepaid card or any other cash card – DON’T DO IT!   The scammer will ask for the numbers located on the back of the card.  Once they have this information they are able to access the money quickly.  And once the money is gone, it’s gone forever.

PCH Never Calls Winners In Advance:

If someone calls or contacts you in any way to tell you that they are coming to award a prize, they are NOT from the real Publishers Clearing House. Publishers Clearing House would NEVER notify a winner in advance – that would spoil the surprise of the winning moment!

Never Give Out Personal Information:

Sweepstakes scammers are out to get your personal information!  NEVER give out your bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or even your drivers license number to someone you don’t know.

At PCH we work extremely hard to prevent deceptive scam contacts. If you believe you were contacted by a scammer, please fill out a Scam Incident Report .

I hope these tips are helpful.  Remember, here at Publishers Clearing House we love nothing more than to award BIG prizes to make dreams come true! We do our very best to make entering fun and exciting.  Remember, at PCH the winning is always FREE!

Jane M.
PCH Creative

More Blogs On This Important Topic:

How To Avoid Sweepstakes Scams!
Beware of PCH Scams On Instagram – Top 3 Ways To Spot A PCH Scammer!
It’s April Fools Day! But PCH Scams Are No Joke!