It is not uncommon for scammers to pose as sweepstakes companies, including reputable companies like Publishers Clearing House (PCH).

It is not uncommon for scammers to pose as sweepstakes companies, including reputable companies like Publishers Clearing House (PCH). PCH is a real sweepstakes company, and scammers have used PCH’s good reputation to take advantage of people. Learn how to recognize when a PCH sweepstake is really a scam.

Signs the PCH Sweepstake isn’t Real

1. Don’t give money to win money. Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes are free to enter and do not require winners to pay money to collect their winnings. If you are asked to pay money in any form—wiring money, paying cash or loading a money transfer card—then it’s a scam.
2. Say “no” to requests for personal information. A trademark to winning a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes is the Prize Patrol showing up at your house with a giant check. If someone contacts you by phone, mail or email instead, saying you won and asking for your personal information, then it is not PCH.
3. Don’t accept that friend request. Scammers have created fake Facebook profiles posing as Publishers Clearing House employees. These are not actual PCH employees—even if the profile is using a PCH employee’s photo—as PCH employees will not private message you through social media.

If you think you’ve been approached by a Publishers Clearing House scammer, report the suspected scammer to Publishers Clearing House

How Verve Can Help

Verve is here to help our members. If you are unsure about a financial request, especially involving wiring money or sending a money transfer card, call us at 800.448.9228 and a team member can address any concerns and help identify a scam.

Keeping with our guiding 7 Cooperative Principles, Verve provides education, training and information to help our members stay financially fit. Verve is committed to keeping our members educated when it comes to their finances by providing details on recent scams and ways to stay safe. Share this post with your family and friends to help protect them against PCH scammers.