Lottery & prize
Is the Publishers Clearing House call a scam?
Quick answer
Yes, always. Publishers Clearing House never notifies winners by phone, email, text, or letter. Real PCH winners are surprised in person by the 'Prize Patrol' at their home — the entire brand is built around that televised moment. Anyone calling claiming to be PCH is a scammer.
Red flags to look for
- Caller claims you won a PCH prize
- Asks for 'release fees,' 'taxes,' or 'insurance' to claim
- Wants you to keep it secret
- Pressures with deadlines
- Caller ID shows 'PCH' or a 1-800 number
Real examples
Phone call
Hello, this is Dave Sayer from the Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol. You've won $5,000 a week for life! To process the prize, we'll need you to pay $2,800 in tax preprocessing fees via Apple gift cards. Don't tell anyone — we want to surprise you on TV.
Likely Scam
Dave Sayer is the real Prize Patrol leader (this gives credibility). But real PCH shows up in person, on TV, with cameras. Never by phone. Never with upfront fees. Never with gift cards.
What to do
- Hang up. Block the number.
- Tell family members — especially older relatives.
- Report at PCH's official fraud page: info.pch.com/consumer-protection.
- Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- If you already sent money: report to your bank, file police report, contact ic3.gov.
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Why scammers use this approach
PCH is one of the most recognizable American sweepstakes brands. The 'Prize Patrol' format is so famous that callers using the name and real names from the show (like Dave Sayer) instantly gain credibility with older Americans.
Frequently asked questions
How does real PCH notify winners?
In person, in a vehicle, often filmed for TV. They never call ahead or ask for any money.