Kentuckians being warned of Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes phone scam

Organization does not contact winners by phone

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 11, 2016) —Attorney General Andy Beshear is warning Kentuckians of a scam involving Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. As part of the scam Kentuckians are being contacted by phone—something Publishers Clearing House does not do—that they have won the sweepstakes.

“Kentuckians receiving phone calls from anyone claiming to be Publishers Clearing House should hang up immediately.” Beshear said. “This is the best defense against this type of scam.”

Beshear advises consumers to not be tempted to respond to the appeal of the calls based on the false hopes of winning a prize.

“A simple rule to remember is that Publishers Clearing House does not notify its winners over the phone,” he said.

According to the AG’s Office of Consumer Protection, scammers generally inform consumers that they have won a new car, a vacation or another prize. However, in order to receive their prize, consumers are first asked for some type of payment. The most common requests are money wire transfers or the purchase of pre-paid debit cards.

“The scammers are clever in their conversations with their victims,” said Maryellen Mynear, Assistant Deputy Attorney General of the Family Branch. “They use effective mental tactics to build trust and rapport with them as they persuade them to send money. There is always a request for more money each time money is sent. Once the victim realizes the offer is bogus, it is too late. Their money is gone.”

Requesting payment upfront in order to “claim a prize” is illegal, Mynear said. “Legitimate sweepstakes are free and no purchase is ever necessary to enter or win a prize,” she said.

Consumers can remember these tips:

• Beware of unsolicited calls that may appear from an “876” area code or “Kingston” identifier on your caller ID. Don’t answer the call.
• Be aware that callers can “spoof” the caller ID to make it appear legitimate. This gimmick allows the scammer to trick the Caller ID display and make any number of their choosing appear on the screen – maybe within your own state or community. This also makes it more difficult for law enforcement to track them down.
• If you answer, get off the phone immediately. These scammers are experts at what they do.   Their offer may sound tempting to you in a weak moment. The longer you listen, the more likely you will fall victim. Just hang up.
• If you are asked to send money for any reason to claim a prize, it is a scam.
• If you fall victim and send money, your name and information will likely be added to a “sucker list” and shared with other scammers. Your scam calls may increase as well as your junk mail.
• Tell your friends about any suspicious calls you receive. You could help prevent their being victimized as well.

Kentuckians should report these types of scams to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357 and to the Office of the Attorney General at 888-432-9257.