Description

After repeated phone calls (step 1) from the Publishers Clearing House about a purported prize, my husband told them to send a letter (step 2). He received a letter IN A PLAIN WHITE ENVELOPE WITH NO RETURN ADDRESS confirming his $2,500,000 second place winnings and a check for $9,850 to cover "attorney fees and insurance." The check was from Bridgecrest Acceptance Corporation, 1720 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Ste 101, Tempe, AZ 85281 (which is the real name and address of a car loan company associated with Carvana) and was made on a Wells Fargo Bank account. My husband called the claims manager and was told to deposit the check "right away." Our bank indicated that if we hadn't shown them the accompanying letter, there is a chance that they would have accepted it (which would have been step 3 of the scam). Note the letter says you must keep the prize information confidential and not discuss it with any third parties (HUGE SCAM RED FLAG). There were also typos in the letter and folks, Publishers Clearing House is currently in bankruptcy court. Individuals mentioned in the letter included: Richie Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer, Bob Crawford, President. Companies mentioned included Readers Digest, Mega Millions, Multi-State Lottery Association, AG Insurance, Walmart, JCPenney and Raymond Chabot Grant Thorton LLP.