Publishers Clearing House (PCH) is a well-known company that has been around since 1953. PCH is known for its sweepstakes and lotteries, which have awarded millions of dollars in prizes to winners over the years. However, scammers have been known to use the PCH name to trick people into believing they have won a prize or to solicit personal information or money.
One common PCH scam is the “fake check” scam. In this scam, the victim receives a check in the mail with a letter claiming that they have won a prize from PCH. The letter may ask the victim to deposit the check and wire a portion of the money to cover taxes or fees. However, the check is fake and the victim ends up losing the money they wired.
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The Phishing PCH Scam
In this scam, the victim receives an email or text message claiming to be from PCH, stating that they have won a prize and asking for personal information in order to claim it. The scammer may also ask the victim to click on a link or download an attachment, which can install malware on the victim’s computer.
Scammers may also use the PCH name in phone calls or door-to-door solicitations, claiming to be affiliated with the company and offering a prize or asking for money.
It’s important to note that PCH does not ask for money or personal information in order to claim a prize. If you receive a letter, email, or phone call claiming to be from PCH and asking for money or personal information, it is likely a scam.
To protect yourself from PCH scams, it’s important to be aware of the various types of scams that exist and to educate yourself about how to protect yourself.
Here are some tips to help you avoid PCH scams:
Don’t provide personal information
PCH does not ask for personal information in order to claim a prize. If you receive a letter, email, or phone call asking for personal information, it is likely a scam.
Don’t deposit a check from an unfamiliar source
If you receive a check in the mail claiming to be from PCH, do not deposit it. PCH does not send checks to winners.
Don’t wire money
PCH does not ask winners to wire money in order to claim a prize. If you receive a request to wire money, it is likely a scam.
Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources
Scammers may use email or text messages to try to trick you into clicking on a link or downloading an attachment, which can install malware on your computer.
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Be wary of “too good to be true” offers
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of anyone offering a prize or asking for money.
Verify the legitimacy of the caller
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be affiliated with PCH, hang up and call the company back using a phone number you know to be legitimate.
By following these tips and being aware of the common PCH scams, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these types of scams. If you think you have been a victim of a PCH scam, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.
PCH Scam Blacklist
The following phone numbers, websites, and emails have been reported to us by the consumer. If you feel this information is incorrect, you may submit a request for removal or correction by contacting us using this form.
Submit phone numbers, websites, or email addresses associated with a scam. Your submission will be published as soon as it gets reviewed by one of our staff members.
FAQ
Publishers Clearing House is a direct marketing company that sells merchandise, magazine subscriptions, and operates prize-based games.
Yes, PCH’s sweepstakes are legitimate and are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. PCH is required to follow strict rules and guidelines when conducting its sweepstakes, and it is regularly audited to ensure compliance.
The chances of winning a prize from PCH are very low, as with any sweepstakes. However, PCH’s sweepstakes are legitimate and the company does award its advertised prizes to winners.
No, you do not have to pay to enter PCH’s sweepstakes. The sweepstakes are free to enter and do not require a purchase.
There have been instances of scammers using the name of PCH to try to defraud people. These scams often involve individuals receiving fake emails or letters claiming that they have won a prize from PCH and asking them to send money in order to claim their prize. It is important to remember that PCH will never ask you to pay money to claim a prize.
To protect yourself from sweepstakes scams, be wary of any communication that asks you to pay money in order to claim a prize. It is also a good idea to research the company or sweepstakes before providing personal information or sending money.
There are several red flags that may indicate a sweepstakes is a scam. These include requests for personal or financial information, requests to pay money to claim a prize, and requests to wire money or send a check by courier. If you receive any of these requests, it is likely that the sweepstakes is a scam.
If you suspect that you have been the target of a sweepstakes scam, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). You can also contact your local law enforcement agency.
No, it is not illegal to enter sweepstakes. Sweepstakes are a form of gambling that is regulated by state and federal laws.
It is generally safer to enter sweepstakes that are affiliated with a well-known company like PCH, as these companies are more likely to be legitimate. However, this does not mean that all sweepstakes affiliated with well-known companies are legitimate, and it is still important to research the company and the sweepstakes before providing personal information or sending money.
Attention: Scammers may have breached the personal information of consumers they have contacted. TotalScam!™ advises consumers whose information has been breached to immediately obtain an identity theft protection service.
There are several companies that offer identity theft protection in the US. One of the most inexpensive options we were able to find is the protection offered by LifeLock. You can start your protection here.
Disclaimer: The information and opinions contained on this site are not endorsed by LifeLock. TotalScam!™ receives compensation from LifeLock. This helps support our scam prevention efforts.
Our investigations into Common Scams of 2024
