The BBB of Southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon has become aware of many consumers receiving bogus winning notices from Publishers Clearing House. These notices have come by mail as well as in phone calls and are instructing consumers to call a toll free number to claim their prize.
The consumers have been notified of their multi-million dollar winnings and have been asked to contact person/persons at a foreign bank to receive their grand prize winnings. PCH officials have denied any connection with these actions.
Although it is commonly known that Publishers Clearing House awards their prizes by a personal visit to the winners, several local residents have contacted the BBB to alert us to the bogus checks. Many of the checks are in the $3,000 to $4000 dollar range.
Dale Dixon, President of the BBB Serving Southwest Idaho and Eastern Oregon cautions consumers to remember the motto "If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is" whenever and however they are notified of any special winnings. "Bogus lottery and sweepstakes winnings – as well as grant awards to individuals – have been targeting consumers for some time. This Publishers Clearing House scam is merely a variation of them," said Dixon.
