Publishers Clearing House Phone Scam Hits Region

There is a Publishers Clearing House phone scam happening across the region.

Residents have reported that a man with an accent has been calling area homes and informing whomever answers the phone that they have won a significant amount of money from the Publishers Clearing House. The person is then asked to go to Rite Aid pharmacy or CVS pharmacy, purchase a green scratch card of some kind and put $250 on the card as registration.

The scammer says the PCH representative will then come to the person's home to collect the registration card and deliver the prize money.

The Publishers Clearing House says it will never ask for money in order to win a prize, and that if you are asked to do so, it is a scam.

This kind of scam preys on the elderly and uniformed consumers. If you receive a call like this, please notify the local law enforcement agency.

If you have any questions please contact the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department.