NEW SCAM ALERT! Con-Artist’s Using the “Publisher’s Clearinghouse” Name

Scam Alert 2It seems scam attempts have become pretty much a daily part of life in this day and age; the good thing about that is, people aren’t nearly so quick to believe the line that the con-artists are throwing out – for example: one Bay Springs resident stopped by WEIS Radio this week to report a scam using the name of Publisher’s Clearinghouse.

Originality isn’t something con-artists are big on – we’ve seen this one before.

The callers tells the intended victim they’ve won a large amount of money – in this case two and a half million dollars – and all they have to do in order to collect the money is pay some type of “fee” – in this case $200 – payable through a “Green Dot” card.

Number one, Publisher’s Clearinghouse doesn’t work that way; neither does any reputable organization. If you have to pay before you collect your prize…well, you didn’t win because it’s a rip-off.

The big tip-off comes with the introduction of the “Green Card” into the equation; that’s the preferred method of payment for those running such scams.

Using the name of a well-known organization is merely the scam artist’s way of making the victim feel comfortable because they’ve heard the name before; however, just because they use the name does NOT mean they are associated with the company.

Scammers lie. It’s their job.

The Bay Springs resident took note of that scammer’s phone number – and it turns out that the number is listed as being from Longview, Texas. But bear in mind, that could simply be re-routed to another location – in another country.

Either way, once you send your money, it’s gone – and it’s not coming back.

As we’ve said before: If something sounds too good to be true – it usually is.

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