Scam library · Phone calls · Seniors · Email & phishing
Publishers Clearing House impostor scam
A caller says you've won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. The prize patrol is coming, but first you need to pay a delivery fee, taxes or insurance.
It's a scam. The real Publishers Clearing House doesn't charge winners or call to collect payment.
Even people who know about this scam can be caught off guard by a friendly, excited caller.
What the message looks like
From: Caller claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House
Congratulations, you're our $5 million winner! The prize patrol is on the way to your home.
We just need $499 for the delivery and insurance. You can pay with gift cards from any store.
How this scam works
Scammers use PCH's well-known name because many people have entered its sweepstakes. They call, text, email and message on social media, sometimes with photos of 'prize patrol' teams.
Victims are told to pay by gift card, money transfer or cash. Some are asked to keep it secret to 'protect the surprise'.
The FTC warns that real sweepstakes don't make you pay to win.
Publishers Clearing House says on its own website that winners never have to pay to receive a prize. If you think you might have won something, look up PCH's official contact information yourself rather than using anything the caller gives you.
Some scammers send friend requests or messages on social media using fake profiles of real PCH employees, sometimes with photos of the 'prize patrol' holding oversized checks. Others mail letters with official-looking seals.
Once someone pays, the scam usually escalates. There's a new fee for the car, then legal costs, then a delay that requires 'just one more payment'. Some victims are later called by fake investigators who promise to recover the lost money, for another fee.
Red flags
- A call or message saying you've won from PCH.
- A fee for delivery, taxes or insurance.
- Payment by gift card or wire.
- Requests to keep it secret.
- Calls from foreign or unknown numbers.
How to tell it’s fake
- Know that real sweepstakes are free to win.
- Look up PCH's official contact details yourself.
- Ask a family member to check with you.
- Search the caller's number online.
- Ask yourself if you're being asked to pay anything at all. If so, it's not a real prize.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Hang up. Report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you paid
- If you paid, contact your bank or gift card company immediately.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared personal information, watch your accounts and visit IdentityTheft.gov.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer checks prize emails and websites. It recognizes fake PCH pages and fee-to-claim scams and warns before you pay. If a prize seems legit, a scam expert can check it with you.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Does PCH ask winners for money?
- No. PCH says winners never pay to receive a prize.
- I sent gift cards. Can I get the money back?
- Contact the gift card company immediately. Fast reports help.
- Why do they target older adults?
- Many older adults have entered real sweepstakes, so the story feels plausible.
- How do I stop these calls?
- Don't answer unknown numbers, and register at donotcall.gov.