The Marshall Police Department has received numerous reports concerning scams involving Publisher Clearing House (PCH). It’s important to distinguish between legitimate PCH sweepstakes and fraudulent schemes. While PCH itself is a genuine sweepstakes, scammers often exploit its name and logo for fraudulent purposes.

To discern whether you’re truly a winner or being deceived, consider the following guidance:

– Confirm PCH Contact: To verify your win, contact PCH customer service directly at 1-800-459-4724. Be wary of scammers providing their own phone numbers for “verification.”

– Authentic Prize Delivery: Legitimate PCH Prize Patrol winners are greeted in person with balloons and roses, not through advance phone calls. If someone claims to be from Publishers Clearing House over the phone, it’s likely a scam.

– Review Official Rules: Familiarize yourself with the official rules before participating. Verification of identity and eligibility, often through affidavits, is standard procedure. Winners must claim their prizes within a specific timeframe, or they may forfeit them.

– Protect Personal Information: PCH will only request essential information for verification and notification purposes, such as date of birth, name, address, and email. Be cautious of providing additional personal details.

– Prize Claiming: Remember that claiming a prize from PCH or any legitimate sweepstakes is always free. You should never have to pay any fees to receive your winnings.

By staying informed and cautious, you can safeguard yourself against falling victim to PCH scams.