A Publishers Clearing House scam is making the rounds in Warren County claiming the recipient has won thousands of dollars, but requires the winner to send money before they can claim their prize.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Department posted an alert Wednesday afternoon warning people of this scam going around. A Rock Island resident was sent a letter and a check in the mail claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House and claiming the recipient won $750,000. The letter says to contact the company’s branch office immediately and speak to agent “Vince Otto” for method of payment. The check sent with the letter was for $7,200.
The letter encourages the recipient to hurry because there is a one week hold on the winnings. It also advices that if the receipient wants the Prize Patrol Van to present the winnings on camera to advise the agent.
The letter sounds convincing until it requires the winner to pay taxes and processing fees and informs the winner not to tell anyone.
The letter states, “You are required by law by the International Sweepstakes and IRS by law to pay taxes and processing fees. Enclosed are funds to assist you with out of pocket expenses and enable you to pay our customs fee. Please contact your agent for further details. You can make deposit of your check through the ATM machine with your bank card or you can walk inside the bank to make the deposit. Contact or inform your agent immediately after the deposit in order to start processing your…
