Police Warn About Fake Publishers Clearing House Prize Scam

NEW CITY, NY — Clarkstown police are warning about scam artists conning people out of money by convincing them that they won a sweepstakes prize.

The con involves a scammer calling a victim and congratulating them on winning a multi-million dollar Publishers Clearing House prize, but there is no prize and the call isn't from Publishers Clearing House. Instead, the caller tells the victim they need to send cash through the mail to claim their prize money to pay for taxes and processing fees.

The victims never see that money again and the promised jackpot never arrives.

The callers tell the "winners" that they have only three to five days to claim their prize, giving the victims little time to carefully consider their actions or talk to family members about the "too good to be true" prospect.

Police officials said the phone scam preys on the elderly and the vulnerable as potential victims.

Publishers Clearing House is aware of the scam. The organization said they only contact winners directly and in person, never over the phone or by email.

Officials offered a few common sense tips to help keep everyone safe from falling victim to cybercriminals:

• Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date, including the latest security software, web browser and operating system.
• Set strong passwords.
• Watch out for phishing scams. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with.
• Keep personal information personal.
• Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password.
• Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology.
• Read the site’s privacy policies.