Publisher’s Clearing House is giving away a $1 million jackpot in May.
It’s one of their “SuperPrize” sweepstakes drawings.
Just before these giveaways, hundreds, maybe thousands of people are told THEY are the big winner.
But there’s only one legitimate winner.
All the rest are scams!
Better Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker shows Publishers Clearing House (PCH) has become the most impersonated organization by scammers, replacing the U.S. Postal Service.
An Escondido woman complained she got a $10 million winner call.
And the scammer seemed legit.
“They had my house phone, cell phone and address.”
Another California woman says they knew her “address, date of birth, Social Security number.”
The $3.5 million jackpot would be transferred AFTER she paid $9,000 towards the taxes.
“Like a fool, I did,” she says.
She paid. There was no prize.
Others were told to buy and send gift cards or provide bank account and other personal information.
What is Publishers Clearing House?
PCH is a direct marketing business that uses the sweepstakes giveaways to bring attention to the magazine subscriptions and products they sell online.
In 2023, they settled an $18 million dollar lawsuit brought by the Federal Trade Commission claiming the business made people believe that making a purchase would increase their chances of winning.
Recently, PCH filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection but says they will continue their sales and free sweepstakes giveaways.
So, the scams will continue.
How to spot the scam
90% of BBB Scam Tracker complaints show PCH scams are done by phone.
The company says they NEVER call winners.
They surprise big jackpot winners in person or may send a letter or email to lesser prize winners.
So, if you get a PCH call, hang up.
Also, despite the FTC lawsuit, PCH says entering their sweepstake is completely free.
There are no taxes or fees to pay. You never have to buy anything to win.
And if you didn’t enter, you did not win.
Seniors are targets
Scam Tracker complaints make it clear these scammers are going after seniors.
One victim’s daughter says her dad “ is disabled and lives on a tight monthly budget. We have since had to change bank accounts for him 3 times and he has recently cleaned out his account two months in a row. He has been left unable to pay his bills and is drowning.”
Another says “I am still trying to clean up the mess made by this person. If you are elderly, please talk to someone you know and trust to help you look into these scams before losing a lot of money.”
Great advice!
If you have a senior in your life, share this information.
If you get a call about a sweepstakes, hang up.
Better yet, put all important numbers in your phone contacts.
Then, don’t answer your phone unless it’s one of them.
Important people will leave messages.
Scammers will not.
If you’ve been scammed, contact the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ and the California Attorney General’s Office at https://oag.ca.gov/.
Avoid scams when hiring- go to bbb.org to check reviews and look for trusted BBB Accredited Businesses.
Protect yourself from all the latest scams at joeknowsbetter.com and bbb.org/local/1126/joe-knows-better.
Photo credit: Pixabay.com
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