Publishers ClearingHouse

Victim Location 79705

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Consumer received call from a Mr. Jerry Dawkins stating that consumer had won $4.8 million and a new Mercedes from Publishers Clearinghouse. Consumer was also told to contact Ms. Selma Ward, Manager Director, at Wells Fargo in San Francisco in regards to this. No contact information was provided for Ms. Selma Ward.

Victim Location 45342

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Received a call from Publishers Clearinghouse. I had won 2nd price, $490,000. I should go to Walgreens or Dollar General and buy a Vanilla Visa gift card. I hung up.

Victim Location 44889

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Report taken over phone by ScamPulse.com representative BA.

Consumer was contacted on 1/14/2021 by phone from Bob Brown, who claimed to be a representative of Publishers Clearinghouse. He said this was a promotion for seniors. Consumer was told that she had won $2.5 million, plus $150,000.000 in cash, and a Toyota Prius. She was told she would have to pay $25K in taxes and fees which would have to be paid upfront. She would need to open a bank account and ‘sponsors’ would deposit the $25K in her account so she could pay the fees. She was told she could verify that an escrow account had been set up for her at Bank of America, but she would need to provide the last 4 digits of her SSN. She was told not to tell anyone. Consumer told Mr. Brown she would have to check with the ScamPulse.com first. Mr. Brown said he would call her back on 1/15/2021. Consumer reported this to her local police.

Victim Location 48217

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I got on January 8, 2021, and also I got a call this morning at 9:00 am they said that this is publisher clearinghouse stating that I won the sweepstakes and they also text me a photo of the Publishers clearinghouse prize patrol team showing my name on it listen the that called me this morning and said to cvs and he said to call him when get there when got just right before I call him I showed the cvs cashier the text from Publishers Clearinghouse that when the cashier told me that was scam and he told me to take a look at the text again and I did that’s when I realized that the cashier was telling the truth they wanted to purchase 5 Visa debit card and glad I didn’t they would have took 500 hundred dollars from my bank account and I am glad I did not give them my account information I contacted publisher clearinghouse myself and gave them they same that I am giving you as well they contacted to the scam and the scam department the information and where they called from and they are investigating it as of now and I am giving you all same information so you all can investigate the same information as well hear it is this the phone number 1-334-640-6728 the call came from Alabama claiming they from Publishers Clearinghouse I am sending this to you all to investigate this thank you and God bless ?? you bye ??? bye

Victim Location 76301

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

We received an after hours through our ******* Plumbing answering service. Our dispatcher returned his call and he stated that he was the owner of a property in Holliday, TX and the tenant had a water leak under their kitchen sink. Our dispatcher sent it to our on call plumber and our plumber contacted him. He told our plumber that his father lived in the home and that he had left the money on the counter to take care of the service call. He instructed our plumber to call him when he arrived to the house and he would get on the phone with his dad and tell him that he was taking care of everything. When our plumber arrived to the house, he contacted the "son" and knocked on the door while the "son" was still on the phone. He identified himself to the elderly gentleman and gave him the phone to talk to his "son". As soon as the elderly gentleman got on the phone, the "son" immediately changed and identified himself as Mr. Jackson with Publishers Clearing House, and told the elderly gentleman that he had been trying to contact him to send his award package to his house but that someone had made the elderly gentleman change his phone number and he hadn’t been able to contact him. He was demanding that the elderly gentleman hang up and call him back from his phone so that he would have his new number. The elderly gentleman’s daughter got on the phone and hung up on him. He tried to call back but it went to our answering service and he identified himself as the elderly gentleman. He then started calling our dispatchers phone over and over cussing her out in another language until she finally blocked him. Our dispatch software records the calls made by our techs through our ipads. I am unable to attach the recordings because they are mp3, but they are available if you need them. The calls do identify the elderly gentleman by name and address.

Victim Location 55421

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

THIS GUY CALL HE SAYS I WON 15 MILLION DOLLARS AND A 2021 MERCEDES CAR FROM PUBLISHER’S CLEARINGHOUSE HE GOES BY THE NAME JACK KULOSKI HE HAVE ME A NUMBER TO CALL TO PROVE ITS NOT A SCAM THE NUMBER IS 9162370207 PUSH #3 THEN ENTER A 7 DIGIT CODE WHICH IS..1345789 CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS FOR ME

Victim Location 67215

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

said publishers clearinghouse sent me notification in the mail and i didnt respond to it and wanted to know why i didnt respond. Told them i didnt know there was anything like that from them. David Wade is the mans name and claims he works for Consumer Protection Agency in New York, NY. Also gave me a claim number. I had to call a different number to find out what i needed to do which i called and it was Publishers Clearinghouse but then they told me that my $1.5 million check was sent to Brinks Security in New York because i didnt send the notification form back. In the meantime Brinks Security (supposedly) called me and said i had to pay $998 which is refundable so they could get the check to my state. All federal and state taxes were paid out of the 1.5 mil check. They said when they delivered the check to my house i would receive 2 checks. 1 for $1.5 million and 1 for $998.

Victim Location 77808

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Scammer called and claimed I won $3.5 million, $7000/week for life, and a new car. He knew my name and address. He wanted me to stay on the line as he gave instructions to go to a Dollar General and complete a $500 registration. He claimed I would then be able to pick up $7000 at the bank in Walmart. I hung up.

Victim Location 36695

Type of a scam Government Grant

I received a Facebook message from a friend regarding a PCH grant he received that I might also be interested in receiving. He gave me the link which I texted and was connected to another person thru FB messenger. Realizing it was a scam I exited FB messenger. They then texted me on my cellphone which I didn’t respond to. The scam texted was sent from 281-325-0585. I did call my friend back who said he was hacked and that the hacker got his FB messenger list and that was not him that messaged me but was the hacker using his identity.

Victim Location 63559

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Guy said his name was James Cooper. He told me to get a 450.00 vanilla gift card to pay for taxes for winnings

Victim Location 45434

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Call that I won 2.5 million, $5000 per week. I only needed to pay taxes of $850. When I refused he said there was C4 under my basement. I hung up on him. He called again but I recognized his voice and hung up.

Victim Location 75755

Type of a scam Phishing

Called said I won second prize and to call number today. Never got back

Victim Location 61614

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Received a call stating that we won 5.5 million dollars. They wanted us to purchase $900 in gift cards as well as give them our banking account information.

We did not do anything they asked

Victim Location 76301

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I received phone call they said I won $10 million dollars and a mercedes benz and to send them $150 to claim your prize. I hung up.

Victim Location 45424

Total money lost $2,500

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

David called and told me that I was the latest Publishers Clearinghouse winner and sent me a text showing me the check written out in my name. Then he said that 1% of 2.5 million had to be paid to clear taxes. My instructions were to go to the bank get $2500.00 in cash and it was wired to NY or overnight express via Fedex. He continues to call my phone and harass me. Other than reporting to the ScamPulse.com is there anything else I can do about this?

Victim Location 45769

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

My 75 year old father received a call yesterday from a man who said he was from Publisher’s Clearing House. He told him he had won $2.5 million. He had to pay the IRS 1% or $925 in cash. He gave him a confirmation code. He told him to call 516-499-5512. My father called and spoke to Andy Goldberg, who had an accent. They have called back.

Victim Location 43232

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I got a call this morning from Publishers Clearinghouse notifying me I had won 2.5 million and a Mercedes Benz. He asked What time would I be home because a lady from UPS will be delivering mail to me today about the prize. He said you know who PCH is, well you’ve won. He had an accent. He said something about not telling anybody until they got there. I told him I would see him at my house at 4:30pm.

Victim Location 43229

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I’m 72 years old. I got a text today from Publisher’s Clearinghouse. I won 7.5 million and a BMW which is $7000 a week for life. I needed to pay $4988 for state taxes. He sent me a picture of the car, and of himself with an ID card. He said to call 203-864-3445, a foreign guy answered and said "Yes, you’ve won Publisher’s Clearinghouse!". He said he would email me the steps. He said, "This is legitimate. Do you think Publisher’s Clearinghouse is a fraud?" They had my address.

Victim Location 43080

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I got a call today from Albert Johnson w/Publishers Clearinghouse today. He said I won $4 million and Mercedes Benz. He asked if I wanted it to be public or private. I said public. He asked me if I really wanted people to come out and take pictures. He said it would be better to keep it private. He said not to tell anybody because he didn’t want his men to be injured with all that money on them (when they deliver the money). He said "Aren’t you happy to have this gift from God?" He assured me it wasn’t a joke as he was a minister at his church. He said I needed to pay a one percent tax. He asked if I had a credit card, I said yes, but didn’t give him the number. He told me to go to Walmart in Mt Vernon. He asked if my spouse was home and what he was doing today, and how many other people were in the house. He told me to call him back at 775-297-4449. He had an accent. He kept me on the phone for 20 minutes.

Victim Location 65233

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Someone called claiming to be PCH told me I won $ 5M, and $5,000.00 and a 2019 Mercedes Benz. Told me I had to send a $100.00 gift card.

Victim Location 79079

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I got a call from someone who said they were with Publishers Clearinghouse. The man said his name was John McKay and said I won $2.5 million dollars. The caller said I just had to send in 4 money orders, 3 of $1000 and 1 of $500. He said that this money was for federal state taxes in order to receive the million dollar winning. I called ScamPulse.com who said this was a scam

Victim Location 77630

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Mark Golden call me statin I won $2.5 Million Dollars, go to Walmart and pay $250.00 by doing a Walmart to Walmart Transfer. It like a wire transfer, I a like I was at Walmart sending them the money. Then they said they will send me my $7000.00 right-Away, they will be coming to my house. That’s when I hung-up on them.

Victim Location 43228

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Billy Bradshaw called from Publishers Clearinghouse. He was Indian. He said I had won 3rd place: 6 million and a Mercedes Benz. He said I would not have to pay anything. He said I would need to insure it before they bring it because they don’t want to have any concerns about them touching the money. He wanted me to open a new checking account to pay the $1500. He had my name, new address. phone number and my age: 65. He said their head office phone number is 816-542-5440. He gave me a confidential code which I was not to share: "We give it to you so you know it’s us". He called back, and left a message "Hello, this is Billy Bradshaw, are you there?"

Victim Location 63801

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Some foreign scammer called me and emailed me this week stating that i had won the sweepstakes and would receive $1.5 Million. They asked me to go to a local retailer like Walgreens or Walmart and get a moneygram for $485 and send it to a lady in California.

Victim Location 44141

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

 Consumer received a call from "Publisher’s Clearing House" stating that her husband won the big sweepstakes prize (cheering in the background was created over the phone). The consumer was apprehensive about acknowledging their "big win" and continued to ask the scammers how they obtain their winnings. The scammer proceeded to ask the consumer for their bank account information. The consumer advised the scammers that they can send the money via certified check. The scammer insisted that the money would be less if she opted for a certified check. Consumer advised scammer that she knew that she was being scammed. Scammer continued to call the consumer for several months after and repeated the same information as in previous phone calls.

Victim Location 68310

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Contacted by "Albert Davis with PCH". He said I had won a prize to be delivered and asked if I was at home. When I told him I was at work he gave me a confirmation number and told me to call when I got home. The phone number showed up on my caller ID as a United States number. I suspected a scam, but wanted to make sure, so I called the number and almost immediately received a text from my phone provider that my plan does not include international calls. Turns out, the caller was from Jamaica…a man with a different name answered, but sounded a lot like Albert Davis so I suspect it was the same person I spoke with the first time. He again said he was with PCH and I had won a prize. He asked my name, which I did not give, and when I questioned him about contacting me by phone and asked him to send a certified letter if I had won something, he hung up on me.

Victim Location 43055

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Publisher’s Clearinghouse called me. William Crawford, GM, PCH. Badge #00135. He said I won 3.5 million. He gave me a claim number and a control number. He wanted my ID. He asked if I wanted it kept private or if I wanted them to come to the house with photographers. He told me to buy an $800 Amazon gift card to pay the taxes on the prize money. He said, "God Bless You". He became upset when I said I don’t believe you. He said "Well I go to church and I take my kids to church. God doesn’t like a liar." I told him I don’t have $800. He said how long would it take to get $400? I said a month. He was very polite and very professional. He had a slight Asian accent.

Victim Location 43008

Total money lost $400

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

We got a voicemail from Robert Banks, Publishers Clearinghouse, congratulating me on being a $950,000 winner. I wired $400 yesterday through Western Union at Kroger in Hebron. Today Robert Banks called back and wants $500 to transfer the money from Bank of America 716-727-2816, they answer the phone as Bank of America. Sheila Lewis said she was the Bank of America bank manager. I called Western Union, and the money was cashed at 7:47 pm EST in Panama. The receiver was Kevin Covour Tomlinson.

Victim Location 43223

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Vin called from 916-546-5663, he said I won Publishers Clearinghouse, a Mercedes Benz and 1.5 million. He said I had to pay $800 for licensing and insurance on the car. He said he would show up at the house at about 1 pm. He asked how long it would take me to get to the nearest Walmart. He wanted me to get an Amazon gift card.

Victim Location 32413

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

They claimed I won $3.5 Million and a 2019 E Class Mercedes. I asked for proof and to text me pictures to my phone. The number he (Mr. Schneider) just called. And hung up.

I called back using the number on my phone. Listed in Jamaica.

I got someone else. Said I needed to go to Walmart and contact a Nick Mason ?? Merchant credit services and get a certified receipt for shipping and handling of $60+ that would be refunded to me.

I told them I don’t want it shipped. I could pick it up. They said I have to show proof of payment first.

I asked why they didn’t show up at my door with my check like they do in the commercials and they said they will. I asked for proof of the award first. They said they would email it to me. I didn’t give out my email address. I said don’t you have that information? Mr JAMES said he didn’t have that information inky my name ohone and address. I asked him to verify my address and he hung up on me.

Victim Location 77632

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

John Brown call me stating I won, a Mercedes Benz and $2.5 million dollars.  Get in my car go to Walmart and send them $550.00.  Call them the every minute I enter Walmart and they will give me instructions, on how to send the money with credit cards or gift cards.

Victim Location 43229

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Publishers Clearinghouse, Peter Church, I’ve won a 2019 Mercedes Benz and 2.5 million. He asked me to call them back at either 876-345-5654 or 919-777-7548. The taxes would be $25,000 from the state of Tennessee, but that I needed to pay $3550.00. He said they were listed with BBB and FTC.

Victim Location 43219

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

John Davis from Publishers Clearinghouse called today. He said I won 2.5 million in the Mega Millions. He might have said it was for taxes. He gave me a pin number. He asked if I was married or single. He asked if I wanted it kept private or publicized. He told me I would have to pay a processing fee of $650. He also gave me the phone number for the Columbus, OH ScamPulse.com and told me to choose prompt number 3, which I did.

Victim Location 43224

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I’m 71 years old. PCH called and said I won 5 million, $7000 a week for life. They want me to open a new account with Bank of America, privately/confidentially and call them back at 917-936-3585 for the routing number. The man said his name was John Kingston and said he was calling from NY. He said if he couldn’t be reached, I should talk to Peter Wallace.

Victim Location 43213

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Dave Sawyer called from Publisher’s Clearinghouse to say I had won my 2.5 million and Mercedes. He said I could have $550,000 in cash. He said my confirmation number was pu ei43296 US. He said I had to pay $500 to govt for taxes on winnings. He said he was calling from his car, on his way to deliver it to me. He asked if I wanted to keep it private or published, if I was married or single, if I live alone. He said they already paid 99% of the taxes, so I just needed to pay one percent. He said they banked w/Bank of America. Sounded like people in the background. The number that appeared on my phone was not the number he asked me to call him back on. He wanted me to put the phone down and leave the line open. He told me to get a MoneyGram. He had an accent.

Victim Location 77726

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

A letter came in the mail stating i won $2 Million 700 Thousand Dollars. Call the number and speak to the claim agent with in 5 business days to claim my winnings.

Victim Location 44303

Type of a scam Advance Fee Loan

scammers name is John Benjamin. called and said he had a cashiers check for my husband. husband called back and he wanted hime to go to Walmart and withdraw $899. and send to him . He would receive a Mercedes bends and $2,500,00.. husband went to his bank and talked to someone who said it was a scam

Victim Location 66605

Total money lost $700

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Told Mr. Henderson he had won the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes in order to claim it he needed to send them money. He sent them $700.00 Western Union thru Walmart.

Victim Location 43068

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

A man called claiming to be from Publishers Clearinghouse said I won $650,000. He said he’d been trying to reach me since September. He said the IRS would get with me for the taxes.He told me to call 516-568-5190 and ask for Oscar. I called and asked for Oscar, he said he’s pretty tied up now, and he could help me. He wants me to fax a picture ID and utility bill to him. He had a foreign accent. I heard a change of voice in the middle of the call. He said to call the legal department at 516-321-1410 and they would tell me what to do.

Victim Location 43727

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I’m 72 years old and my wife is 71. She got a call this morning from Publisher’s Clearinghouse saying he won 5.5 mil and a Mercedes Benz, we were told to call a second number so they could deliver it, they wanted to know if someone would be with me, she said my husband, he asked to speak to me, she said he’s not available. He asked "Do you remember getting the registration card, would you be able to come to NY to pick up the prize?" we said no. He said we had to register and pay the registration fee. He said to pay with Western Union. At first he said $4395, then he said $300 the call came from Kingston, Jamaica. They answered "This is PCH". The first person who called, said his name was Dave Sayer, and the second said Mike Myers. Dave spoke very slowly to hide his accent, but Mike Myers had a definite Indian accent.

Victim Location 43231

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I got a call from a man, Peter Anderson, the general Manager of the unclaimed funds division of Publisher’s Clearinghouse in Hempstead, NY. he said I won 2.5 million and a 2019 Mercedes Benz. He said the ScamPulse.com was monitoring the call. he said if I called the BBB they could give me his phone number to call back. He almost sounded like a machine, like a computer generated voice.

Victim Location 43701

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I was at my 90 yr old mother’s home, and I got 4 calls today from a guy, James Jeff, and later, James Jefferson, with dogs barking in the background, with a slight foreign accent, said he was with Publishers Clearing House. He said I was a second prize winner, 2.5 million and a Mercedes Benz C Class. He said I have to pay 1% tax which is $18,000. He said they were bringing it today, the Benz was on a flatbed to be delivered. He said they would deposit my winnings into the IRS Board Merchant Account. He said he would never scam me, he was a Man of God. He said there was a reason why he was calling, that my life was about to change. I told him I could not go to the bank. He was very convincing. He said he would escort me to the bank to insure the check was legal. The phone numbers had JM after them. He said he personally would come to the door now. He said if I come to your door, will you shake my hand and apologize to me? He hung up and called back, and said he’d called the IRS Board, adn I only needed to pay $9000 upfront, and $9000 after the check is deposited. I said I don’t have it. He had my mom’s address. He asked if I wanted to keep it private or have it publicized. I told him to bring it on out, and he could get the fee after I get the check.

Victim Location 43213

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

409.00 in exchange for 300,000.00. via Publishers Clearing House. Lot number LL3195. Claim number ASN37802. James Miller was person who called. He had consumers address and apartment number and zip code. Consumer told him to take the money and give it to someone else. Person got mad and hung up.

Victim Location 43211

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I got a call from Publishers Clearinghouse, he said I won 3.8 million and a Mercedes Benz. He wanted $13,800. He’s called 5 times.

Victim Location 44046

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Kimike Johnson called today, said he was with Publisher’s Clearinghouse and I won 3.5 million and a Mercedes Benz. He said the ScamPulse.com and Homeland Security approved the winnings. Send $375 to Kimike Johnson 219 W Main ST Rockay, NJ 07866 He said go to Walmart and do a Walmart to Walmart money transfer. It’s a registration fee. Then let him know the money was transferred and give him the transfer number. He wanted the certificate number. He said then without 25 minutes the van would deliver the check, and then a tow truck would deliver my car. Call my supervisor at 876-556-1632.

Victim Location 74735

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

They stated we won 10.5 million and no taxes to pay on it !! delivered today with a brand new Mercedes Benz! If we gave our credit card information and paid her a $350 fee! Lol we knew better and told her we would pay her that fee as soon as we got that check and that new car! Then she hung up on us!

Victim Location 43227

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Publishers Clearinghouse called, they said I won 2.5 million dollars and a car. Their bringing me $500,000 when they deliver the car. They wanted me to go to the store and get a Greendot Moneypak card for $499 to cover the taxes for when they deliver the car. He told me to call him at 202-753-8263 when I got the card.

Victim Location 79121

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I received a call froom a Mr. Bob Turner who said I wont $850,000 with Publishers Clearinghouse. He said 99% of taxes were covered but I would just need to send $399 at a Walmart. He said they were just 30 min away and that I needed to hurry and get it done ASAP. I took down all the following information:

ID #2971

CK #006951840

Winning # 6631795228TX

Such a scam

Victim Location 79107

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

A man called my boyfriend and said he was with Publishers Clearinghouse and said that I won $5000. He said he would get it through moneygram and they would come to my house and present him with it too. He didn’t ask me to send anything except what bank I had. My boyfriend is not all there mentally so i handled the call which the guy didn’t like. He kept wanting to talk to my boyfriend since he’s been picking up the phone before. Knew it was a scam and told him that but he was very persistent about it not being one. I called the BBB to report it

Victim Location 79065

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Got a phone call 3 times from this number in Portland, Jamaica. The man said his name was Walker and that I’d won some money. All I would have to do is send $250. scam.

Victim Location 43338

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I got a call yesterday and 14 more today from a man, David Silvera, w/a foreign accent saying I’ve won the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes sponsored by the ScamPulse.com and H & R Block. He said I won 3.7 million and a Chevy Malibu. He said I would need to pay $294 for a government stamp on the check. He asked if I wanted it advertised or kept quiet. He said I wouldn’t tell anybody about this till you get your money. He told me to go to Walmart. He said I will be on the phone with you every step of the way, we will do this together. I said I can’t believe it. He said well you’re getting a lot of negative thoughts from other people. He said the people giving you negative advice are just jealous. He gave me the check number, and said I would get $7000 today. He said David Sayre, Andrew Goldberg and Barbara Gordon from PCH would be at my house with balloons and roses.

Victim Location 79109

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

My dad keeps getting calls from someone saying they’re with Publisher’s Clearinghouse. They said that he won the jackpot of $1 million and a new BMW. They didn’t ask him for money but asked him to open up a new banking account at his existing bank.

Victim Location 79107

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I got a call from someone with an Indian accent who said I had won a cherry red Mercedes and $5.5 million. I told him I played the PCH games years ago so there was no way this was legit. He said information stays in the system for 10 years which is how I won. He didn’t say I had to send any money and then said it was all taken care of with the IRS too. Scam!

Victim Location 79045

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

My wife and I received a call that popped up as Kingston, JM. The caller said his name was Franklin Myers and he was with Publishers Clearinghouse. He said we won $2.5 million and would just have to send $800 from a Walmart to Dallas. We told him we didn’t have $800 to send and he said he would try to get some sponsors to reduce the price. When we heard that we would have to send money we called the ScamPulse.com who said we’d never have to send money to win money and PCH never calls to inform people about winning.

Victim Location 43068

Total money lost $1,950

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I’m 70 years old. Publisher’s Clearinghouse called last week, Dave Sawyer 910-460-1291. He knew we had sent things back to Publisher’s Clearinghouse, so we thought he was the real Publisher’s Clearinghouse. He said we had won 8.5 million plus a 2018 Mercedes Benz. He kept saying not to speak to anybody. Keep it private. If it gets out, they’ll be asking you for this and asking you for that. He said don’t let anybody know you’ve won a prize from Publisher’s Clearinghouse. So everything could be transferred/registered we would have to send him money. I went to the Chase Bank on Taylor Rd in Reynoldsburg, OH on Friday and transferred $1,000 to Demsely Porter Acct. No. *** *n Lauderhill, FL. The teller asked how long I knew him and I said awhile. He had a slight accent. He called back and said for an additional $950.00, I would get $500,000. So I went to Walmart and did a Walmart to Walmart transfer to Dwight Nelson in Fl. Then my husband went online and found a number for Publisher’s Clearinghouse, to check on it. He talked to a Jonathan Ward who connected him to Dr. Charles Brown 321-351-9604 and 876-401-2139. Dr. Brown said not to talk to those guys again, they are scammers. He said he could get our money back. He asked for a $1000.00. I said we don’t have it. He said he would take $250. He said don’t got to Walmart. So I went to Western Union. I wired $250 to Carlene Brown, 510 Ave, Kingston, Jamaica. He wanted me to stay on the phone with him. He said for $1000 he’d have the car and $500,000 at my house by noon Tuesday. Western Union called me to say the payment did not go through. Western Union told me there had been a lot of fraud. I am going to pick up my money from Western Union. I talked to my bank and canceled my debit card with them. I went online and looked up how does Publisher’s Clearinghouse give out prizes, that’s when I knew I’d been scammed.

Victim Location 43207

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I’m 84 years old. I got a phone call from Publishers Clearinghouse/Joseph Peterson 876-449-9843. He gave me his badge number. He said I had won $2.5 million and a Jeep Wrangler. He asked if I used to order from PCH. He said they took all the numbers from the past, and drew from them, and I won the lucky number. He made me promise I wouldn’t tell anyone. He said he would come with an FBI agent. He wanted me to send $2500. I told him I was sick. He said mail it. He kept calling me "mom". he asked if I lived alone. He asked if I was a widow or married. He asked what was the biggest amount of money I ever got. I said $10,000 from when my husband died. He said then you have money in the bank. Then he asked if I could write a check. He said the good Lord had laid a blessing on both of us because I’d won the money, and he would get to give it to me. He called back at lunch to ask what I had eaten, and was I getting enough to eat. He called back at supper time to ask if I had gotten my supper, and to make sure I was eating. I could hear kids in the background, he said he was staying at the Holiday Inn Dublin, OH. He said they would pay all the taxes. He said I would have to pay the IRS and to send it to Jesse Guillory, 3325 Jackson Ave Kansas City, MO 61428-2125. I called him back the next day and said I prayed about it and didn’t want to handle that kind of money. He said mad and said maybe I didn’t need the money at my age. He said you promised me. I gave him my testimony and explained heaven and hell to him. He said 10 or 15 years ago he didn’t take vengeance against a thief. He said he works on Sunday so he can’t get to church. I told him I don’t have long and I will look for him in heaven. He hung up. Then he called right back and asked if I was putting the check in the mail, and I said I told you I’m not putting the check in the mail.

Victim Location 43113

Total money lost $8,697.13

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I received a letter from Publishers Clearinghouse Award Notification Dept. saying I won $600,000 in a one time payment. There was a check enclosed for $8697.13 for personal expenses to get the winnings. I called the number, spoke Andrew Goldberg 929-800-4978. He told me to deposit the check. The next day, he called me and told me to pull out $6800.00 in cash. He told me to tell the bank I was getting emergency roof repairs. He called me back and told me to put the cash in an envelope and keep $100. He told me to put it in the middle of a magazine, and take it to Fed Ex to deliver to 301 Westwood Pl, Ste B, Austell, GA 30168. He wanted it by 9 am Monday morning. On the Fed Ex paperwork, it was Waybill 585-300-6601 x. 3635. I was told to tell them it was a private delivery. I went to the Fed Ex *** *** *** ***, OH ***. Tracking #***. It cost $76.50, I used part of the $100 I had kept out. My husband is 71 years old. Our car is broken down. We bank at Chase in Circleville.

Victim Location 43056

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I received a call from George Anderson from Publishers Clearinghouse. He said I won 1.2 million and a 2018 Mercedes Benz. He had an accent. He asked me if I wanted a better life in the United States of America. He asked me to pay $299.00. He had a response for all of my objections.

Victim Location 68069

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Received call on cell phone….told me I had won $1.8 million….told them "when pigs fly"…. then I said if that’s true then send me a certified letter that I had to sign for….kept telling me I had won…..kept telling them to verify with a certified letter.

Victim Location 43209

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I received a letter in December, saying I won 1 million. They told me to call the claims agent, Kevin Johnson. Said I would be eligible for a lump sum payment. Do not act on this notice until you contact your claims agent. You must keep this confidential to eliminate fraudulent claims. Signed by Mike Freeman, Marketing Manager.

Victim Location 78393

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Elderly mother led to believe that she’s won $5 million through Publishers Clearinghouse as long as she pays taxes and fees up front. She has given out bank account numbers, social security number, and date of birth, which has led to multiple instances of identity theft.

Victim Location 70113

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

The caller was named John Lewis, who stated I won the sweepstakes for $950,000. I should go to Wal-Mart money gram to pay $55.99, to receive my prize. Supervisor Mary Johnson came on the line to verify the transaction. They are going to call me back at 4:00pm today.

Victim Location 83832

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Someone by the name of DAVID SAWYERS, Badge #55386, from PUBLISHERS CLEARINGHOUSE called to inform me I’d won 2.5 million dollars and $1,000/day for life on Sunday, September17, 2017. He had me on the line writing information down, like the VP Deborah Holland and CEO Andrew Goldberg, 2.5 Million, $1,000/day for life and a BRAND NEW 2017 Mercedes Benz E Series in Silver….then he asked if I had a car and how close was the Western Union Office to me….I needed to go to get a REGISTERED RECEIPT for $205. The PRIZE PATROL was on it’s way!! 35 minutes out!! When I told him I quickly looked up how Publisher’s Clearinghouse really informs winners and this is NOT how they do it, he started to argue with me….I asked him "why are you scamming me?" He said I was free to hang up, which I did….then he called me back several times and one of the times, his number came through on the caller ID…..it was 876-559-4567. I’m sure his name was a lie.

PLEASE DON’T FALL FOR THIS!!! PCH does NOT contact winners via phone….it’s Cashier’s Check or Prize Patrol ONLY!!!

Victim Location 43220

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I am 81 years old. I’ve received four calls today from Publisher’s Clearinghouse 775-360-3840. They asked me to send $700.00. Used the name David Sawyers. He said I had won a 2017 Mercedez Benz and 5 million dollars. He asked me if I lived alone. He knew where I lived. He knew how to spell my name. He told me to write down a confirmation number. He told me to go to FedEx.

Victim Location 15208

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Leroy Throber, from publishers clearinghouse. $300 for fees for winnings.

Victim Location 62650

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Michael J Peterson called as representative for publishers clearinghouse and told my wife we had won a large cash prize. She handed me the phone and after speaking with them for awhile I figured out it was a fraud call. Had I known it was from Kingston, Jamaica, I would have known right away.

Victim Location 43154

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Calls started about 6 weeks ago saying I won 3/4 of a million dollars and a Mercedes Benz., but I had to send them $2600 by certified check and I hung up before they could give me where to send the check because I knew it was a scam.

They called me several times and gave me phone numbers and told me a representative would come out and the numbers he gave me were for companies all over the country – one was a nursing home in FL.

They called me several times today and when I asked them to stop calling they said it would cost $250 and I hung up, they called again and said it would cost $280 and I told them if they didn’t stop I would contact my attorney and George called back again and asked to speak to my attorney and then he hung up on me.

Victim Location 72764

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Called stating I won 1.8 million $ with Publishers Clearinghouse. I knew it was a scam but I said yes I was at home and they hung up.

Victim Location 16613

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

4,206.17 Must be deposited in the account only after speaking to claims agent. Call Michael Freeman. Says it’s publisher’s clearinghouse but the check says John Deere with the logo. Prize is 75000

Victim Location 43224

Total money lost $50,000

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

David Sayers called and said I have won 150,000.00 from Publishers Clearing House and I had to send him money for various things. Somethings he needed the money for was storage fees for the bank holding the check, IRS fees, He need funds for this and that I do not remember all the items he needed the money for. He took me for a very large sum of money. He had me send the money to a Jeaneth Rodituez in Florida. She was his IRS person as he referred to her.

Victim Location 19610

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

My elderly mother repeatedly receives paper mail, and email from publishers clearing House. This week she responded to a piece of mail from publishers clearing House, and called to speak with a salesman Who told her she had won $100,000 prize. To claim it he collected her drivers license number and the last digits of her Social Security number. He has yet to return her call or deliver any money.

Victim Location 72653

Type of a scam Phishing

Caller claiming from publishers clearinghouse and I had won a prize. As soon as I answered yes to a question, they hung up.

Victim Location 03244

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

A Mr. Bob Green called us Sunday evening Feb 12,2017 telling us that because we are US citizens who pay their mortgage and taxes on time have won 4million dollars and a Mercedes Benz,color of your choice. Because of very bad connections, he called back again, told us we needed to call the headquarters of PCH to make arrangements. We called the number and no-one answered. Then at 10:30 p.m. while we were falling asleep he called again, so I dismissed him until the next day. He called Monday afternoon and this time *** spoke with him. ***called the "headquarters" number and spoke with a man who told him we needed to send money…as my husband probed the man with questions and challenged him with facts the amount kept going down. ($1700, $800, $286) The man said to make a Wal-Mart to Wal-Mart transaction to Myrna Palmer of Buffalo,TX. Bill then said we would call back after we spoke with our attorney. We looked info up on-line and found out PCH never does business this way and that over 250 scams were going on in our area. The man called again and *** told him the facts, and the man said of course, the attorney doesn’t want you to have the prize….have a nice day. Bob Green had a strange slow way of speaking, my husband says they both sounded foreign…Maybe African. Bob used a term ….are you on board, get on board….expressions seemed unnatural.

Victim Location 81058

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

The caller said I have won the publishers clearinghouse prise all I have to do is pay the taxes, they will pay 99% of the taxes I just have to pay the rest. They said they would be to my house tomorrow with the check if I pay them today.

Victim Location 43832

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

On November 16, 2016 I received a phone call from J M Kingston who was with the Publisher’s Clearinghouse and I had won second prize for a million dollars and a new Mercedes. I stated that I hadn’t contacted Publishers Clearinghouse; however, she stated that I paid my taxes on time and that I shopped at Walmart. She instructed me to go to the nearest Western Union Office and buy a claim prize receipt. She asked me how much money I had. I said I don’t have any. She said you have to have some and I said I have $50.00 and she said that would work. The reason I needed the receipt was for IRS reporting and I would get my prize. I said I wasn’t giving no money to nobody. She said this is legitimate and it was between her and I. I did not even know where a Western Union office was. I hung up and I have received approximately four additional calls today, November 17, 2016.

Victim Location 35986

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I received a call from someone claiming to be from Publisher’s Clearing house stating I won $960,00 and a Mercedes. Her name was Victoria Golden. I was not home at the time so they are to deliver prize tomorrow, Nov 1, 2016. She did not ask for payment for prize. She said I would have to give 2 forms of identification to their lawyer, David Brown. I have not done this nor have I seen David Brown. I was not asked for bank, credit card, or SS information. I was given a batch # 1985, conf# 392178, ck # 0098275300, pkg# B224. They called and I hung up, then they called back and my husband answered. He was asked why I hung up and he told them I thought it was a scam. Ms. Golden assured him that it was not a scam and gave me the information above in order to process the prize. I guess I well have some charge to my phone bill.

Victim Location 71238

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

*** ***, Code #6620033570, called and said he was with Publishers Clearinghouse and I won a prize. When I was asked to pay a service fee of $660.00 to get $5,000.00 a week for life, I told them I had never heard of paying a fee to receive prizes. I then ended conversation and called ScamPulse.com and was told I was right and it was a scam. This happened on September 27, 2016.

Victim Location 45356

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Received a friend request through Messenger from Facebook. I confirmed the request for Todd Sloan of Publishers Clearinghouse. He said I won 10 million dollars and a BMW. I gave him my address and cell phone number. He asked about my bank. I gave him a variation of the name of my bank but no account information. He asked about any investments or 401K accounts. When I asked why he wanted that information he hung up. His message came through @toddsloaneaf/pch.796592

Victim Location 30165

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

They wanted me to put 250.00 dollars on iTunes card and said I had won 5 million dollars. I was to go to western union to do this.they have been calling me every day for the last two weeks.they gave me all these numbers.and sworn its ligit.is this a scam. I think it is.

Victim Location 84532

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

David Cooper called saying he was from publishers clearing house from phone number 1-876-7901-0409 requesting I send him western union check as i had won $850,000 and a car. I borrowed the money from my mom and was getting the check and didnt feel comfortable. he said the lawyer marsha makentire and the IRS and a rep from the company would be showing up at my house today with the check. This money was to pay the taxes. the money was to be sent to michael freeman in the west indies.

Victim Location 76301

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

called and said I won 2.5 mil and I got disconnected they called back and wanted to know if I was at home or work because they were in Denton and wanting to deliver the money, they sound foreign or automated

Victim Location 03818

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Call received today. Caller stated his name was Dave Sayer calling to congratulate me for winning the Publishers Clearinghouse prize of $5,000 weekly for the rest of my life. Account at Wells Fargo Bank set up for weekly deposits starting today. Confirmation 001711. That they would be coming to my house this afternoon with a check for $55,000 like you see on TV. When I said I had to be out this afternoon until late tonight he said well we’ll have to reschedule and hung up, so I suspect this is a scam. I called the # right back and a woman answered saying

it was Publishers Clearinghouse.

Victim Location 27540

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

A man claiming to be named Dave Peterson called from 1-876-559-4337, saying I had won $2.5 million, tax-free, and a Mercedes Benz car from Publishers Clearinghouse. He said Publisher’s Clearinghouse would pay 19% of the 20% in US taxes that I would owe, but I would have to go to Western Union or WalMart to pay the remaining 1%, or $365, in order to receive my "Invitation Receipt." Then a Mary James, attorney, would appear at my door with paperwork to sign. I would give her the Invitation Receipt and she would give me my prizes. When I insisted that I didn’t have $365, he hung up on me.

Victim Location 45365

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Received a call reporting I had won Publishers Clearinghouse. He hung up when I told him I did not believe him.

Victim Location 68003

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

David Rogers contacted my mother telling her he was a UPS driver in Lincoln and had a delivery for from Publishers Clearinghouse ( a large sum of money and a Mercedes Benz car). Later she received a call from James Hunter telling her they would be unable to deliver the winnings without certain criteria. They said she would need proper ID, routing and account numbers that matched the bank of the check she would receive, and last she would need an invitation receipt that would show final approval for her winnings. The receipt was endorsed by ScamPulse.com ( this was stated several times) and Walmart and Walgreens. She could go and use their ATMs to pay my 1% fee of what hadn’t already by paid by Publishers. This fee would be $455 and cover unpaid state and federal tax for the winnings. The phone number she called and spoke with people was 1-876-852-5224. James Hunter. They said extension #9 but it sounded like they simply handed the phone over to another person in the room. She concluded the call and called your office to report this incident.

Victim Location 28645

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Man called my mother from 253-843-6440, said he was from Publishers Clearinghouse and that she had won $2.5 million and a new Mercedes C 350 worth $48,000. But she needed to send $375.00 to cover delivery. He even gave her a claim ID #.

Victim Location 29414

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

A lady called telling my dad he won money. He would be payed $10000 and this was only the beginning. He was suppose to go o Walmart and buy money gram for $1055.

Victim Location 98660

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I received a letter stating that i had won 2.5 million dollars, along with a $7,500 ck to be deposited. But they want you to call this no. first with this code. No. is 1-613-712-0885. then Henry Cooper tells me to deposit the ck and call him back. Then they want you to withdraw $6,450.00 in cash for Attorney fees. And then they will send someone with the large check! I called my bank and they said it was a scam and then on got on the Publishers clearing House site and they said it was a scam. other phone no. that have called concerning this scam are 876-248-5834

876-774-1935

Victim Location 15211

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Consumer said he got a call from Ernest White at Publishers Clearinghouse saying he won $3.5 million a Mercedes. They told him to get a Western Union check for $876 and once he did, to call 876-522-3874, and they would come to pick up the check and drop off his new Mercedes.

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

"Publisher’s Clearinghouse" contacted my mom saying that she had won $2.5 million and had her write down a cheque number and many other prize codes to distract her. They asked for a lot of banking information (accounts, balances, last withdrawal, personal identification information). They said that they would deposit a large sum into her account, and that after confirming that it was there she was to send them certified cheque for the same amount to verify the account. They have continued to call, saying that they are on their way to see her. She has changed all of her accounts and credit card.

Victim Location 15944

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Publishers Clearinghouse sent a check for $8000 through Bank of Michigan. She called the number given (613-712-0177) and they told her to deposit check but not tell anyone. It doesn’t say anywhere that she needs to send money back.

Victim Location 79227

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

he said he was from PCH and I needed to go to Walmart to wire money and get receipt for $250.00 and then the prizes would be delivered next week 2.5 mil and a Mercedes

Victim Location 85304

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Guy called up and asked if I was me by already knowing my name. He then proceeded to tell me about how I won publishers clearinghouse and that he was from New York. He claimed that I had won $2.6 million and a brand new BMW through publishers clearinghouse. I said ok… He then started asking for personal information like address and what I do for a living. I told him if I won what does it matter what I do? He started getting agitated so I told him he was sounding like a scam. He said he was real and that I had won but he needs this important information. I asked if he could email it to me. He said yes, what email address should I send it to. I told him, "the one you have on file that I entered from." That ended the conversation. I then looked up the area code. A google search concluded that the number came from Jamaica instead of his claim of New York.

Victim Location 47025

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

A Larry Jacob called me from 1-876-869-9419 to tell me I had won 2.5 million plus a car from American Awards a part of Publisher Clearinghouse. He gave me a security code of 9723. I was to go to Western Union to send $300 to Carol Alexander at Internal Revenue Service, 1525 Elm St, Cambridge, Ohio 43725.