Authorities are warning residents about a sophisticated scam involving fraudulent letters claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House (PCH), after an Alturas citizen, fell victim and brought the matter to the attention of the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office.
The citizen received a letter informing him that he had won $750,000 in a sweepstakes. The letter, which appeared professional, included instructions to contact a “claims agent” and deposit an enclosed check to cover “processing fees.” According to the Sheriff’s Office, while the check appeared real, it was part of a larger scheme that allowed scammers to access the victim’s bank account after the check was deposited.
How the Scam Works
The fraudulent letters use several deceptive tactics:
- Official-Looking Details: The letter uses logos, titles, and legal language to appear legitimate.
- A ‘Claims Agent’ Contact: Recipients are instructed to call a representative, who further pressures them into compliance.
- Confidentiality Clauses: Victims are told to keep the prize confidential to prevent “double claims” and other fictitious issues.
- Realistic Checks: The enclosed checks often pass initial bank verification, further convincing victims of the scam’s authenticity.
According to investigators, once victims deposit the check, the scammers gain access to their banking information. They can withdraw the check amount and empty the victim’s account before the fraudulent nature of the check is discovered.
To avoid falling victim to this scam or similar schemes, authorities recommend:
- Do Not Deposit Unsolicited Checks: If you receive a check tied to a contest you don’t remember entering, don’t deposit it.
- Verify Directly: Contact Publishers Clearing House or any named organization directly to confirm any prize notifications.
- Report the Scam: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov, and alert local law enforcement or the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office.
- Spread Awareness: Share information with friends and family to prevent others from becoming victims.
Anyone who has received similar letters or phone calls is encouraged to report the incident immediately. Scams like this not only result in financial losses but also cause emotional distress to victims.
For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, visit the FTC’s website or contact local authorities.
