CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Caroline County residents are currently being targeted by a phone scam where Publishers Clearing House impersonators claim they have won a sweepstakes.
According to the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, scammers falsely stating they are with Publishers Clearing House — an organization known for its many sweepstakes and prize-based games — have been contacting county residents.
During these calls, scammers will tell victims they have won a prize and that they must pay the scammer to collect their winnings — typically excusing this payment as an “administrative fee” or taxes on these fake winnings.
Publishers Clearing House will never inform you of a win over the phone — no matter what the caller ID says. According to the office, scammers use various means to disguise the number they are actually calling from to make the call seem more authentic.
“Phone call award notifications are ALWAYS a Publishers Clearing House phone scam and you should hang up immediately,” the office wrote in a Facebook post describing the scam.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by this scam or any other, you should reach out to the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
