If you have ever received a phone a call from the Publishers Clearing House: immediately hang up.
On Monday morning, Cynthia Reed was visiting a friend when she got a phone call from someone claiming to be with PCH, a sweepstakes company, claiming that she had won $6.5 million, a 2016 Mercedes Benz, and $7,000 a week for the rest of her life.
“I drove 15 miles to get home because I wanted to believe this,” said Reed. “Everything seemed like I had really won it.”
The person claiming to be from PCH even told Reed that KLBK and KAMC would be at her home later that evening to live broadcast her receiving the check.
However, before she could accept her “prize,” they told she must first pick up and pay $40 for a package in her name at a distribution center located at the 6200 block of Slide Road, and “pay the IRS” $599. The distribution center confirmed with EverythingLubbock that they had never received a package under her name, but that they had been sent an extensive email addressed to Reed stating what all she won, statements from previous winners and even a letter from the Better Business Bureau.
However, the moment that Reed heard that she was expected to pay the IRS, she knew she was being scammed.
“I didn’t feel like the IRS would do something like that, or Publisher Clearing House either, so I told them once I had the 6.5 million dollar check in my hand the IRS could be there and I would gladly give them their part.”
EverythingLubbock reached out to the PCH corporate office who confirmed the following:
– If you are being contacted by someone claiming to be with PCH that you have won a prize, hang up. They will never call in advance.
– If you receive an email that you’ve won a prize from them, it’s a scam. They will never notify you in advance that you have received a prize.
– PCH will never request money from you, or for the IRS
While Reed wanted to believe she had won the big money, she knew it was too good to be true. Now she just wants her fellow community members to know when to hang up.
I just want the public to be aware especially here in Lubbock. Don’t fall for something like this because they could take your hard-earned money.”