Apparently, the only thing more certain than death and taxes is a scam popping up every time a company files for bankruptcy.
In this publication, we're uncovering a sneaky twist on a classic scam that’s resurfacing with the recent Chapter 11 filing of Publisher’s Clearing House (PCH). If you or someone you know has ever dreamed of that big check at the door—this one’s for you.
Scammers are hijacking the PCH name to trick people into handing over money in exchange for fake prize winnings.
With PCH in the headlines after filing for bankruptcy, fraudsters are jumping at the chance to exploit its well-known brand—targeting hopeful winners with fake phone calls, websites, and emails that demand payment to claim their prize.
How the Scam Works:
- The Bait: You get a call, email, or message saying you’ve won a big PCH prize.
- The Hook: The scammer asks you to pay a “processing fee” (usually between $150–$750) or taxes upfront to release the prize.
- The Lie: They may ask for this payment via wire transfer, prepaid gift cards, or even fake checks that bounce later.
- The Loss: Once you pay, they vanish—and so does your money.
Who’s Being Targeted:
- Older adults who grew up seeing PCH commercials and mailers
- People in financial distress who are more likely to believe in a life-changing win
- Anyone who’s signed up for sweepstakes or entered contests online
Scammers are banking on PCH’s reputation to disarm skepticism. As BBB CEO Amie Mitchell warns:
“If you’ve won something legitimately, you should never have to pay a fee to receive the funds.”
Real-Life Example:
Following PCH’s Chapter 11 filing, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a new warning as scam activity spiked. One alarming trend: scammers are posing as liquidation or prize agents and asking victims to cash fake checks or send payments upfront to “claim” their prizes.
Meanwhile, PCH itself is still operational—and still running its sweepstakes—but explicitly warns:
“You NEVER have to pay to claim a prize... If someone asks for money, STOP. It’s a scam.”
Why You Should Care:
This scam doesn’t just steal money—it takes advantage of hope. And in many cases, it preys on the most trusting among us. Victims may lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars, often with no legal recourse. Worse, they may feel too ashamed to report it.
And let’s not forget: these fraudsters don’t stop with one person. They often pass contact info to other scammers, putting victims at risk of future scams.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never pay to claim a prize. No legitimate sweepstakes will ask for payment of any kind.
- Be suspicious of calls out of the blue. Especially those that create urgency or secrecy.
- Verify with the source. If you think it might be real, contact PCH directly through their official website.
- Ignore suspicious checks. If someone sends you a check and asks for a portion back, it’s a trap.
- Report it. File a complaint with the FTC or your local BBB to help prevent others from falling victim.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: Did you know? Scammers use real-sounding names and logos to appear official. Always check the URL and email address for signs of impersonation.
Pro Tip: Bookmark the real PCH website (https://www.pch.com) so you can verify any communications before taking action.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords Defined:
- Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: A legal process that allows a company to reorganize its debts while continuing operations.
- Sweepstakes Scam: A fraud where victims are told they’ve won a prize but must pay a fee to receive it.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): A nonprofit that helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses and alerts them about scams.
- Prepaid Gift Card Scam: A scheme where victims are asked to buy and share gift card info as a form of “payment.”
- Impersonation Scam: A fraud in which someone pretends to be from a trusted brand or organization to gain trust.
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