Authorities in neighboring Chattooga County have taken several reports recently regarding scam artists using the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes name.

Someone claiming to represent Publishers Clearinghouse has called a number of residents telling them they’ve won a large monetary prize, however in order to collect their “prize” they must first purchase a pre-paid “Green Dot” card and give them the number; or purchase a money order that would be sent to the caller to pay “fees” prior to receiving their “big cash prize”.

As is always the case – if you’re asked to pay anything upfront – you didn’t win anything.  If you didn’t enter a contest, you certainly didn’t win one.  These type con games are becoming almost an everyday occurrence with only a slight variation on the theme – and of course the best defense against someone trying to scam you in such a manner – is to simply hang up.

(AM1180)