(BBB, Joe Ducey)
Better Business Bureau Pacific Southwest, Central and Inland California is warning consumers about a growing scam targeting hopeful sweepstakes winners. As Publishers Clearing House gears up for its next million-dollar drawing in late May, scammers are dialing up efforts to trick people into believing they've won big — when in fact, there's only one real winner.
Publishers Clearing House, best known for its sweepstakes and surprise jackpot visits, has become the #1 most impersonated organization by scammers, according to reports submitted to BBB Scam Tracker. These fraudsters are convincing victims they've won the grand prize — but before claiming it, they're told to pay upfront “fees and taxes.” The result? Thousands of dollars lost, and no prize in sight.
“You don’t need to pay to enter or win the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. That’s a huge red flag,” says Joe Ducey, BBB spokesperson. “Publishers Clearing House never calls winners in advance. They show up in person — that’s part of the fun and surprise.”
BBB reports show 90% of these scams happen over the phone, with seniors being the most frequent targets. However, everyone should remain cautious. BBB recommends the following tips:
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. Instead, save important contacts in your phone and let unknown calls go to voicemail. Scammers rarely leave messages.
- Never send money or share personal information in exchange for a prize.
- Report scam attempts to BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others.
- Stay informed. Stay safe. And remember — if you didn’t enter, you didn’t win.
Even amid recent news that Publishers Clearing House filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the company plans to continue its sweepstakes — and so will the scammers.
Expert industry speaker available:
Joe Ducey, BBB’s AVP of Public Engagement and Investigative Outreach, and the Joe Knows Better Podcast's host, is a consumer protection expert. He shares insights on trending scams, ethical business practices, and empowers consumers to make informed decisions. He is available for media interviews on such topics.
Download pre-recorded clips to complement your coverage:
Clip Time :16
"It’s time for Publishers Clearing House big SuperPrize giveaway and scammers know it. They’re calling people, telling them they won a million dollars but first need to pay taxes and fees to get the money. You don't have to pay to enter or win. Publishers never calls people. They surprise their big winners."
Clip Time :23
"Publishers Clearing House has become BBB’s most impersonated organization by scammers. They're calling, saying you won a million dollars but first they need to collect fees and taxes. If you get that call hang up. Publishers doesn’t call in advance. They surprise their big winners. Better yet, take all important numbers and put them in your contacts. Don't answer the other calls. Important people will call back, leave messages. The scammers will not."
More Information
For media inquiries, contact pr@bbbcommunity. Please allow a 24 hour courtesy for interview requests. For additional news stories, visit bbb.org/us/news. Published with permission from Better Business Bureau.
