The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a Publishers Clearing House (PCH) scam that defrauded an 81-year-old Sligo woman of $88,000 through a series of cash and check transactions over two weeks, from October 30 to November 13. According to Trooper Evan Cyphert of the Clarion patrol unit, the victim was lured into the scam by fraudsters claiming she had won a significant prize from the well-known sweepstakes company.
How the Scam Worked
Fraudsters convinced the woman that she needed to pay taxes, fees, and processing costs before claiming her winnings. Over multiple transactions, she was instructed to mail cash and checks to specific addresses. Believing she was on the verge of receiving a life-changing prize, she complied with the requests, ultimately losing her entire savings.
The scam took advantage of tactics commonly seen in Publishers Clearing House frauds, which involve:
- Requests for upfront payments: Victims are told they must cover fees or taxes to claim their prize.
- Urgency and secrecy: Scammers pressure victims to act quickly and keep their “win” confidential.
- Sophisticated communication: Fraudsters use fake documents, spoofed caller IDs, and even impersonate government officials to appear legitimate.
- False notifications: Victims are told they’ve won contests they never entered.
Why Elderly Victims Are Targeted
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scams like these often prey on older adults due to their perceived financial vulnerability and trust in official-looking communications. Publishers Clearing House itself has repeatedly warned consumers that it never requires payment to claim prizes.
Ongoing Investigation
The Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the case. Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and educate themselves about the signs of such scams. If you or a loved one receive similar communications:
- Never send money or provide financial details to claim a prize.
- Verify the legitimacy of the notification by contacting Publishers Clearing House directly or consulting with local law enforcement.
- Report suspected scams to the FTC or local authorities.
A Broader Problem
Frauds like these are part of a broader epidemic, with scammers increasingly targeting elderly individuals. The FTC reported billions of dollars lost to fraudulent schemes in 2023 alone. Staying informed and cautious is key to avoiding these traps and protecting yourself and your loved ones.