Have you received a telephone call from someone saying that you have won a lot of money from Publishers Clearing House? It’s a scam, says Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker.
“We have received several calls from concerned citizens about this type of fraud,” McVicker said. “Citizens are receiving calls on their home phones and cells phones. The caller tells them they are with Publishers Clearing House and they have just won several million dollars. All the person has to do to receive their winnings is to send a prepaid debit card with $230 credit on the card to a particular address and their winnings will then be processed and they will receive further instructions on how to receive their new fortune.”
McVicker says most of the calls have shown coming from the 704 or 803 area codes, although other area codes may appear on your phone. ”We are also being told the person calling will have an accent that is not American,” McVicker said.
“No legitimate sweepstakes such as Publishers Clearing House would ever ask a winner to send them money,” McVicker said. “If you receive a call like this and are told you have to send money in any form or in any amount before you can receive your winnings, you are being scammed.”
McVicker urged people to never give out bank account, debit or credit card numbers nor PIN numbers to someone over the phone or through email or regular mail unless you are the one who initiated the transaction or know you are definitely dealing with a reputable business. He also cautioned against giving out your driver’s license number, date of birth, or Social Security card number to anyone over the phone. He said that no bank, lending institute or reputable business will ask for this information over the phone or by email.
McVicker urged anyone who suspects they are being scammed to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (910) 862-6960 or your local police department.
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